All the "gentle readers" of the ton are buzzing with barely controlled glee after the popular fan theories about two of the eligible Bridgertons appeared to be confirmed.
Social media has been rife with speculation about the sexualities of two of the Bridgerton siblings — Francesca and Benedict. Fans have speculated ever since season one that Benedict might be queer.
However, theories surrounding Francesa began circulating since she made her debut in front of Queen Charlotte in the first four episodes of the third season of the Netflix show last month. Fans thought she may have been part of the LGBTQ+ community because of her shy personality and her feeling like the odd one out among her siblings.
But now that the final four episodes of Penelope and Colin's love story have been released it appears both theories have been confirmed with the introduction of characters that didn't exist in the books.
Benedict's ‘bisexual awakening’ occurred during a dinner at Lady Tilley's house. The widow, played by Hannah New, introduced him to her friend, Paul Suarez (Lucas Aurelio), who joins them for the meal.
A private moment on the balcony between Paul and Benedict hints at a budding connection, leading to an invitation from Paul and Lady Tilley for Benedict to join them in the bedroom.
Initially hesitant, Benedict eventually reconsiders their offer and partakes in a passionate threesome with the pair, whose characters do not exist in the books.
The revelation sent fans in a spin as they took to X ( formerly Twitter) cheering on the inclusivity of the show.
One user said: "I'm here for Benedict's bisexual awakening while the Bridgerton family faces distress and dilemma lmao."
Another added: "BISEXUAL BENEDICT WE ARE HERE FOR YOU." Someone else penned: "Bisexual Benedict Bridgerton and bisexual Francesca Bridgerton secured what is life."
Later in the show, Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) now married to John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin (Victor Alli) meets her new husband's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza). In the novels by Julia Quinn, which the series is based upon, Francesca's second husband is Michael, John's first cousin.
The introduction of Michaela instead has appeared to have confirmed fans theories that Francesca may be bisexual too and that she may be with a woman when it comes to her season.
A viewer wrote: "FRANCESCA IS BI??? SCREAMING! omg internet is gonna be insufferable, must protect Michaela Sterling with our lives, at every cost. All tongues that speak ill on actress Masali Baduza will rot and fall off.."
Another added: "MICHAEL STERLING IS NOW MICHAELA STERLING?!?!?!? DO YALL REALIZE WHAT THIS MEANS FHFHDHFHDHD." Meanwhile, a third said: "Two bisexual arcs in 4 episodes!!!!!!!!!! during pride month!!!!!!!!!."