"Art of the Swoon"
Daphne considers her proposals and potential suitors as London awaits the visit of Friedrich, a Prussian prince and Queen Charlotte's nephew, who is seeking a wife. At a ball that evening, Friedrich attracts many young ladies, but is drawn to Daphne. Anthony confronts Simon about his intentions with Daphne but Simon brushes him off; Daphne asks Anthony why Simon is so opposed to marriage.
The Bridgertons visit an art gallery, where Simon has donated some pieces, and Simon and Daphne have an intimate moment that is interrupted by Cressida swooning into Friedrich's arms. The Queen convinces Friedrich to pursue Daphne. Daphne confides in Simon that she is clueless about sex, and Simon encourages her to masturbate.
Violet and Lady Danbury, who are convinced that Daphne and Simon are a love match, wonder why Simon does not propose; Lady Danbury tries to push the issue with Simon, warning him that if he isn't serious about courting her, he should drop it and let her find a good match of her own (like Friedrich). Simon tries to end things with Daphne since their ruse has paid off. Hurt, Daphne goes to a ball resolving to find herself a husband, and dances with the Prince to the astonishment of the guests as Simon glowers from the sidelines.
With Marina's pregnancy becoming more difficult to hide, Portia tries to force her to find a husband. When Marina resists, she has the housekeeper forge a letter from Sir George telling Marina he wants nothing to do with her. Siena becomes frustrated with Anthony.
Tropes:
- Annoying Laugh: When Friedrich kisses Daphne's hand and compliments her gown, just as she and Simon had predicted, Daphne — contrary to her Proper Lady image — lets out a snort-laugh that horrifies the Queen. Simon is charmed by it, however.Simon: How does one manage to make such an unbecoming sound while laughing?
- Armour Piercing Response: Marina holds on her own against Lady Featherington, until the latter asks her if she has received any replies to her letters to George.
- Break Her Heart to Save Her: Aware that things between him and Daphne are getting too intimate, Simon breaks things off with her, claiming that there was never anything between them. Mrs Featherington does the same thing with Marina, convincing her that George never loved her so she will be willing to marry soon.
- Dream Intro: The episode begins with a dreamlike ball sequence where Daphne and Simon share an Almost Kiss, which is revealed to be a dream Daphne is having.
- Erotic Eating: At one point Daphne is distracted by the sight of Simon licking a spoon, which the cinematography also focuses on.
- Everyone Can See It: It's plain to everybody that the prince is quite taken with Daphne.
- Fake Faint: Lady Whistledown considers the ability to faint prettily a necessity in snagging a man. Later, Daphne and Simon discuss the calculated swoon into a man's arms as a tried-and-true courtship flirtation tactic.Simon: A feigned swoon. Chapter six, I believe?
- Grand Staircase Entrance: Daphne elegantly walks down a staircase in a lovely dress, captivating the aristocracy present.
- High-Class Fan: One scene has Daphne descend a staircase carrying a fluffy white fan. She drops it on purpose and predictably, Prince Charming Friedrich gallantly picks it up and gives it back to her. The courtly scene has the dual purpose of charming the visitors and telling her "suitor" Simon that she has other options.
- Holding Hands: Given this is Regency England where physical contact between unmarried men and women is heavily meted, Simon and Daphne's hands approaching each other and touching while they stare at a piece of artwork is all the more significant.
- Howl of Sorrow: Marina wails in despair in her bedroom after receiving the forged "Dear John" Letter from George.
- I Kiss Your Hand: Daphne lampshades Prince Friedrich kissing the hand of Cressida Cowper as a perfect example of gentlemanly charm.
- Jealous Romantic Witness: In the ending, despite Simon is the one who ended his friendship with Daphne, he couldn’t help but stares jealously upon watching Daphne meets and dances with Prince Friedrich, so much that he immediately leaves the room as he couldn’t take it.
- Letting Her Hair Down: Daphne's hair is worn loose to her shoulders, as opposed to her previously wearing it up when in public. It coincides with her and Simon's increasing closeness.
- Nice Job Fixing It, Villain: Cressida's mother snidely congratulates Daphne's love for the duke with the reasoning that Cressida would not have had a chance with the prince otherwise. This spurs Daphne to switch her affections to Friedrich, displacing Cressida.
- Operation: Jealousy: After Simon broke off their friendship, Daphne, aware that Simon is present at the ball in her home, attempts to test him by enthusiastically letting Prince Friedrich court her. It works so well.
- Pet the Dog: Lady Featherington is quite gentle by her standards when she tells Marina that she cannot afford to wait for George to return for her, not can she bank on him being willing to support her and her child.
- Wrote the Book: Simon comments on Daphne's perfect manners and knowledge of social situations with how she wrote the book on it.Daphne: Oh, now he will kiss her hand.
Simon: Forever charmed by her submission.
Daphne: Precisely. Should I ever need assistance drafting an addendum to my book, I shall know who to ask.
