Bridgerton's Penelope & Colin Infamous Carriage Scene Explained: What to Expect in Season 3

Fans of the Bridgerton universe eagerly anticipate Season 3 of Netflix's hit romance series, especially the tantalising carriage scene hinted at in the promotional video heralding the start of the season's filming.

This scene, featured in Julia Quinn's novel Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, is the crux of the romantic journey between Penelope 'Pen' Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Readers deem this the most sexually charged chapter in the book and perhaps across the entire series.

So what exactly happens in the novel?

After their inaugural kiss, Colin finds himself increasingly intrigued by Pen. One day, he spots her sneaking off solo. Driven by curiosity, he trails her, uncovering her clandestine persona as the enigmatic gossip writer, Lady Whistledown. Overcome with shock and confusion, Colin confronts Pen, instigating a heated quarrel within a carriage. This initial dispute rapidly evolves into a passionate embrace. Their disagreement dissolves into a whirlwind of intense kisses, provocative teasing, and suggestive whispers. Their scene is cut short by their arrival at the Featherington residence.

The narrative then takes a humorous turn as the couple, hastily composed, get out of the carriage. Colin, in a decidedly casual manner, pops the question to Pen,

'For heaven's sake, Penelope. Are you going to marry me or not?'

This out-of-the-blue proposal sends Pen tumbling from the carriage. However, she eventually agrees, and their romance subsequently accelerates at a brisk pace.

But how will this scene play out in season 3 of Bridgerton?

Considering the trajectory of Penelope's arc in the show, a verbatim adaptation of the carriage scene seems unlikely. Quinn's Lady Whistledown churns out much lighter content than her counterpart in the show. Explosive events involving characters Marina and Eloise never occur in the books. Hence Colin readily accepts Pen's secret persona. However, in the show, Penelope has hurt Colin and those he cares for with her writings, making it unlikely for Colin to seamlessly transition from the shock of discovering that Pen is Lady Whistledown to passionate entanglement and proposal.

Furthermore, Marina's story has taught Penelope that trapping a man in a loveless marriage is reprehensible. Therefore, it would be out of character for her to accept Colin's proposal before mutual declarations of love are exchanged.

It seems Bridgerton fans will have to patiently await the release of Season 3 in the coming months to find out how the carriage scene will be portrayed on screen. Regardless of how the writers adapt it, we hope the scene retains the sizzling intensity found in the books.