Sophie stays at Benedict’s cottage in Bridgerton Season 4 episode 3. She tries to hold herself back, but Benedict makes it increasingly difficult for her.
In Bridgerton Season 4 episode 3, titled The Field Next to the Other Road, Sophie and Benedict travel to London. With no other option, Sophie temporarily stays at Benedict’s cottage, while Benedict finds himself increasingly intrigued by her.
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Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers about the series. Read at your own risk.
Benedict’s Cottage in Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 3
Bridgerton Season 4 episode 3 opens with Sophie and Benedict traveling toward London, bickering over the long journey and worsening weather. When the rain proves Sophie right, Benedict insists on stopping at his so-called “cottage,” which turns out to be a full estate. The contrast between their worlds becomes clear as Benedict fumbles without a key while Sophie effortlessly breaks in, lights a fire, and takes charge.
Soon after, Benedict hides an injury but develops a fever from the infection. Sophie nurses him through the night. In his delirium, he asks her to kiss him, believing she is the mysterious woman from the masquerade. Although he remains unaware of the truth, the moment deepens their emotional connection.
Meanwhile, back in London, Lady Whistledown reports on the growing “Maids War.” Araminta has poached skilled staff from multiple households to replace Sophie, triggering chaos as families compete to fill the vacancies. Even Varley receives an offer. She declines in hopes that Portia Featherington will raise her wages, only to be gifted Portia’s old dresses instead. Elsewhere, Queen Charlotte dismisses the gossip as dull and ignores Lady Danbury’s ethical concerns, remaining blissfully unaware that Danbury continues to indulge her every whim.
The Growing Closeness of Sophie and Benedict
Benedict advises Violet to ease up on Eloise, but Mama Bridgerton quickly proves she has other plans. Since Eloise refuses to entertain suitors, Violet assigns her to chaperone Hyacinth’s etiquette lessons. During the sessions, Eloise grows even more frustrated as she witnesses how society marginalizes spinsters.
Elsewhere, the Crabtrees, caretakers of Benedict’s countryside estate, arrive the following day. Benedict insists they treat Sophie as a guest, encouraging her to wear old Bridgerton dresses and enjoy the estate. While Sophie discreetly hides her necklace. Although the Crabtrees refuse to let Benedict leave until he fully recovers, he counters by insisting Sophie take time to enjoy the countryside rather than work. Nevertheless, Sophie’s restlessness shows as she anxiously pulls weeds in the garden instead of relaxing.
Later, Sophie encounters Benedict in the library and admires his artwork. He casually mentions that he plans to find work for her and another maid, Hazel, a gesture that deeply touches her. When Sophie reaches for a French book, Benedict is surprised to learn she speaks the language, prompting his curiosity. She deflects his questions by correcting his French pronunciation, and the moment nearly turns intimate before Mr. Crabtree interrupts them.
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Questions of Intimacy and Social Unease in Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 3
That night, Francesca and John share an intimate moment, but her worries linger as they still have no child. She wonders if she is doing something wrong. While John gently speculates that her reaching the “pinnacle” may help with conception. Later, during an outing with Colin and Penelope, Francesca notices their constant desire for one another and asks Pen about the pinnacle, growing visibly confused when Pen admits she experiences it often.
Elsewhere, Lady Danbury vents her frustrations to Alice, lamenting Queen Charlotte’s insistence on clinging to her rather than relying on other ladies-in-waiting. Alice casually suggests that Charlotte simply has no interest in them, as no one can truly replace Danbury. The remark gives Danbury pause, hinting at the depth of Charlotte’s attachment.
Back at the cottage, Sophie washes dishes while Mrs. Crabtree observes her restless energy with amusement. Mrs. Crabtree encourages her to accept Benedict’s kindness, but when Sophie admits she is swayed by his charm, she is reminded not to forget her place. Later, at a garden party, Araminta arrives and immediately draws irritation from the other ladies for sparking the Maids War. Marcus flirts with Violet, making her nervous, and matters worsen when Francesca asks her mother about the pinnacle, leaving Violet flustered as she struggles to explain the so-called “magical feeling.”
Desire and Distance
As for the main couple, Benedict convinces Sophie to fly a kite with him to cure his boredom. She teases him when he initially struggles, and their playful banter quickly turns into lighthearted goofing around. From a distance, Mrs. Crabtree watches with concern, fearing that Sophie’s reputation could suffer if their closeness becomes known.
Later, Sophie accidentally stumbles upon a naked Benedict swimming. He teasingly accuses her of following him, prompting her to admit she cannot stop watching him. They share a kiss, but Sophie immediately grows stiff and formal, clearly shaken by the intimacy. Observing the shift, Mrs. Crabtree warns Benedict about the power imbalance between him and Sophie and urges him to redirect his focus elsewhere, particularly toward the mysterious lady in silver.
Elsewhere, Varley notices Portia purchasing new clothes and finally stands up for herself. Portia calls her bluff, only to appear unsettled when Varley walks away. Meanwhile, Lady Danbury, knowing Queen Charlotte’s love for a challenge, wagers that she can find an exciting new lady-in-waiting, a bet Charlotte eagerly accepts.
Following Mrs. Crabtree’s warning, Benedict announces it is time to leave the countryside. He apologizes to Sophie for the kiss and claims he regrets it, a statement that clearly wounds her. Meanwhile, a desperate Francesca corners Penelope and asks directly about the “pinnacle,” prompting an awkward but humorous explanation that is quickly laughed off when Eloise joins them, leaving Eloise feeling excluded.
Later, Violet nervously confesses her feelings to Marcus, admitting she wants him but feels frightened. He promises to wait for her, and the two share a kiss. In the final moments of the episode, Sophie changes back into her maid’s dress and hides her necklace beneath her collar. As they depart, Benedict asks for her opinion on the route, but she bitterly replies that such decisions are not her place.
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Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 3 Review
Bridgerton Season 4 Episode 3 leans into quiet intimacy and emotional tension, allowing Benedict and Sophie’s connection to deepen in a slower, more reflective way. Their countryside scenes feel tender yet uneasy, effectively highlighting the growing imbalance between desire and social reality. The episode excels at showing how small moments—shared laughter, stolen glances, and sudden restraint—can carry real weight.
At the same time, the episode smartly weaves humor and discomfort through its supporting arcs, from Francesca’s earnest confusion about intimacy to Violet’s vulnerable admission of love. These moments ground the romance in awkward honesty, keeping the tone playful but meaningful. Overall, Episode 3 proves that Bridgerton still knows how to balance charm, longing, and emotional consequence, making the slow burn all the more compelling.
All episodes of Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 are available on Netflix. Part 2 of the series will be released on February 26 on the same platform.
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Source: Bridgerton, Netflix, Netflix 1
