The 'Bridgerton' Season 3, Part 2 Ending, Explained

Penelope Embraces Her True Identity

The aspect of the Bridgerton season 3 finale that made me the most emotional was seeing the newest chapter of Penelope's life. After Cressida finds out Penelope is Lady Whistledown, and blackmails her, Penelope finally comes forward, addressing the entire Ton at a party. Penelope reveals no one has ever taken her seriously, and being Lady Whistledown was the first time she felt strong and brave.

It seems like the Ton has forgiven her (after all, she does promise to use her pen for good), and Colin helps Penelope see that she's ALWAYS had the confidence, spitfire, and bravery Lady Whistldown brought out, even if she couldn't see it herself. And a year later, we see Penelope's sisters dreaming of careers for their daughters, showing that she's inspiring everyone around her, too.

Penelope's life at the end of season 3 finally reflects who she's always been. Standing with her new family, Penelope has shed the Featherington yellows and greens (and the aqua that came from mixing the Featherington and Bridgerton colors during her engagement) for a cornflower blue that emphasizes she's a true Bridgerton now. And, at the end, Penelope gives up the persona of Lady Whistledown, signing her first new edition, "Yours Truly, Penelope Bridgerton." I'm in tears!!

Anthony & Kate Are Headed To India

I can't pass up the opportunity to talk about Bridgerton's hottest couple: Anthony and Kate. These enemies-turned-lovers love each other SO MUCH that it's almost too sweet (operative word being almost because I really can't get enough of them). After revealing they're expecting their first baby, Anthony tells Kate he wants to travel to India and prepare for the birth of their child with her family. Because while "our child will always be a Bridgerton," he tells her, "I should like them to know they are a Sharma as well." I am sobbing!

Violet And Agatha Finally Have A Heart To Heart

I've been waiting for Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury to have a serious conversation about their love lives after Queen Charlotte revealed Agatha fell in love with Violet's father. Violet and Agatha's brother Marcus are starting to fall for each other, but Agatha doesn't know how to forgive him for interrupting her escape all those years ago, leading to her loveless marriage with Herman Danbury.

But I'm happy to report that after Agatha and Marcus finally have the heart to heart they've probably needed for decades (and Marcus admits he didn't understand the gravity of the situation at the time, he just wanted her to be safe), Violet and Agatha discuss how important the men in their lives and — maybe more importantly — their friendship is. I, for one, would love to see Violet in a happy relationship again!

Francesca Bridgerton Might Be Married, But Her Love Story Isn't Over

For fans who have watched their favorite Bridgerton siblings pine over love for the last three seasons, it might have come as a shock that Francesca and Lord Kilmartin fell for each other and got married so quickly. Francesca decides to move to Scotland with him to learn more about herself, but it isn't until the final few moments of the Bridgerton season 3 finale that we realize her story is far from over.

Francesca's Bridgerton book, When He Was Wicked, follows Michael Stirling (Lord Kilmartin's cousin) and Francesca's romance after Lord Kilmartin's death. So needless to say, everyone was surprised when we met Michaela Stirling in the final episode! It looks like Bridgerton is giving fans the queer romance they've been waiting for — and now I'm wondering if this will be the central romance for Bridgerton season 4.

Eloise & Benedict Have Some Soul-Searching To Do

Eloise and Benedict really are kindred spirits, and it looks like their similarities are only going to grow in the future. Both of these siblings have some exploration to do — Eloise is FINALLY going to travel and see what the world outside the Ton has to offer by joining Francesca and her new husband in Scotland, while Benedict, after a threesome with Paul Suarez and Lady Tilley Arnold, desires to explore his sexuality and figure out exactly what he wants from life. And we'll have to wait for Bridgerton season 4 to see what the future holds.