The Other Great Love Story in Bridgerton: Penelope and Eloise’s Unbreakable Friendship

Bridgerton is an anthology romance series, an increasingly popular genre on TV, that takes inspiration from Julia Quinn’s novels that chronicle each Bridgerton sibling’s love story. Season 1 follows Daphne Bridgerton’s romance with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, like in Quinn’s The Duke & I. Season 2 takes a page from Quinn’s The Viscount Who Loved Me, as Anthony Bridgerton finds his love match after an enemies-to-lovers arc with Kate Sharma. Eloise Bridgerton is the fifth oldest Bridgerton sibling, and Penelope Featherington is her best friend who secretly writes under the pseudonym Lady Whistledown.

Season 1 follows, amongst other things, Eloise’s quest to uncover Whistledown’s identity, not knowing the answer is literally her closest friend. Eloise and Penelope are often inseparable. They gossip together and they divulge nearly all of their secrets to each other. They’re truly the best of friends, but all of that gradually shifts in Season 2. First, though, Eloise and Penelope start the season closer than ever because Eloise is officially in the marriage mart — against her better wishes, of course. Consequently, Whistledown’s sheets now serve as an ever-present reminder of the system Eloise must participate in and loathes.

So, in her spirit of pushing boundaries and wanting more for women, Eloise wishes for Whistledown to write about more than mere gossip. Uncoincidentally, Whistledown’s next issue goes beyond her usual topics and demands better of the Queen and society’s general pitfalls. Unknowingly, Eloise challenges Penelope to want more for her writing. It’s poetic and heartbreaking for the same wish that inspires Eloise’s further admiration of the columnist to drive the friends apart ultimately. It’s Eloise’s diligence to uncover the truth that leads her to Theo Sharpe. Other circumstances may have allowed the friends to celebrate such a meeting.

The Regency era itself complicates Eloise and Theo’s friendship (and potential relationship), but Penelope’s status as Lady Whistledown makes it far more personal. Though she falters slightly, Eloise predominantly doesn’t bat an eye at society’s rules. Instead, she finds pleasure in breaking them, much like her new sister-in-law Kate Sharma. Without Whistledown, Eloise and Penelope could find (however fleeting and innocent) joy in Eloise’s first crush. After all, Eloise cares deeply about Penelope’s opinions, which is why she heeds Pen’s warning about the ton’s rumors. All of which makes Penelope’s betrayal sting even more.

Eloise is bold in her commitment to follow her heart and discover what she feels for Theo. She goes against society’s wishes in the name of what could be or become love. It’s adventurous and courageous, much like Penelope’s alias as Lady Whistledown. In another reality, there is a time and place where Penelope is upfront with her best friend about her independent business so that nothing as detrimental as what happens in “The Viscount Who Loved Me” occurs. Instead, Penelope wishes to reclaim and maintain control of her mantle and, in the process, betrays her best friend through the deepest of cuts only Penelope can cause.

Eloise and Penelope’s final scene together in the Season 2 finale is a break-up that contrasts Anthony and Kate’s reunion. Eloise echoes Daphne’s words to Anthony from earlier in the season by pitying Penelope for the harsh decisions she makes in the name of protecting others, protecting Eloise. Bridgerton‘s storytelling is so great that it’s possible to be angry with Penelope yet still understand her motives. Moreover, the explosive nature of their final scene reinforces how similar the two young women are and how important their friendship is to Bridgerton. Peneloise is worthy of a tumultuous ending that serves as a cliffhanger.

Sometimes female friendships can serve as props in overarching narratives, which is not the case with Eloise and Penelope on Bridgerton. Their stories are strong on their own. Their arcs this season prove the young women’s similar desires for independence can be in direct conflict because of the stifling nature of the Regency era. Their friendship comes to a crossroads after making messy decisions to grasp at the few straws left for them, especially Penelope. The comfort lies in Season 2 not being the end of their story. It’s only the beginning of a new chapter, and Bridgerton knows Peneloise is a core relationship to follow.