Bridgerton Spoilers: Does Penelope Get Caught as Lady Whistledown?

Hands down, the Lady Whistledown arc has been Bridgerton's most mysterious and compelling storyline so far. While the happy endings of the main couples are a foregone conclusion, Lady Whistledown, the implications of her writing, and her real identity provide viewers with an endless source of suspense and emotional tension.

That's why, in anticipation of Season 3, which will focus on the love story of Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, many Bridgerverse fans are wondering if the new chapter will feature Lady Whistledown's exposure by the ton and the repercussions that Penelope must endure.

Fortunately, we can find some answers by looking at the source material for Season 3, Julia Quinn's novel Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Here's what happens to Lady Whistledown in that book.

In Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Lady Danbury offers a reward to anyone who can uncover Whistledown's identity, and the ton jumps into the game. Colin suspects that it is his sister, Eloise, but one day he sees Penelope going off somewhere on her own. He follows her and realizes that she's just dropped off Whistledown's new column for publication.

This discovery leads to a carriage fight, a hot make-out session, and a hasty engagement. Lady Whistledown remains the object of their disagreement for some time. Penelope thinks Colin is embarrassed by her column, Colin is jealous of her success, being an aspiring travel writer himself. Eventually, they both reveal their true feelings, and Penelope encourages Colin to publish his journals.

But the peace in paradise is shattered by Cressida Cowper, who finds out that Penelope is Whistledown and attempts blackmail. Colin then takes matters into his own hands and (with the support of his family) officially uncovers Penelope in a powerful scene that makes it clear how much he loves and is proud of his wife.

The ton receives the news with cheers and applause. Lady Whistledown never writes again. Penelope and Colin live happily ever after.

This is how Lady Whistledown's arc ends in Julia Quinn's books — but there's a good chance that the show's creators are going to change it radically.

Exposing Penelope to the fullest extent could be detrimental to Bridgerton because her secret identity has already become the essential narrative tool driving the story forward. Besides, Penelope has ruined some reputations and insulted the royal family with her writing, so there's no way the Queen and the ton will accept the truth with cheers.

To find out how the Lady Whistledown arc unfolds on screen, Bridgerverse fans will have to wait for Season 3, set to hit Netflix later this year.