Bridgerton season 2, episode 2 recap: Off to the Races

Now that Anthony has set his sights on Edwina becoming his wife, he must convince her older sister Kate. But Anthony’s plan does not bode well for the family.

Meanwhile the Featherington’s are dealing with some familial issues of their own on Bridgerton season 2 episode 2 titled “Off to the Races”.

Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 2 recap – Anthony’s Semi-Successful Plan

It is no secret by this point that Kate Sharma dislikes Anthony Bridgerton. Which means he will have to somehow convince her that he is the right man for her sister, Edwina.

Of course, Edwina has a long line of suitors waiting to meet her. Deciding to plan offensively, Anthony and his family spend a day at the races where Edwina, Kate and Lady Danbury will also be in attendance.

While Edwina has a gentleman with her, it doesn’t stop Anthony from making numerous attempts to grab her attention. While he is seated next to her during an upcoming race, Kate is with gentleman Mr. Dorset.

The two converse briefly before Anthony and Kate argue over which horse will win. Kate’s pick High Flyer wins but unfortunately the game isn’t over yet.

When the truth comes out that Mr. Dorset was merely asked to distract Kate so Anthony could swoop in, Kate once again loses all faith in him. It is clear at this point that Kate’s disapproval of Anthony is upsetting Edwina, though she doesn’t speak out.

That evening Benedict arrives to Mondrich’s new gentlemen’s club where he meets a fellow artist. Benedict has remained faithful to his passions of art and poetry, often wondering himself what direction his life should take.

While speaking with a fellow artist, he recommends Benedict apply join the Royal Academy of Arts. Anthony interrupts the important conversation and asks for help regarding poetry.

Benedict provides Anthony with a very beautiful poem while trying to speak some sense into his older brother. Anthony races to Lady Danbury’s residence just as the evening soiree was concluding.

He begins to read Benedict’s poem but pauses and finally confesses to Edwina whom he really is. His honesty makes Edwina fall more in love with him, regardless of Kate’s constant warnings.

It seems Anthony’s plan may have worked in the end, for now that is.

Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 2 recap – Meanwhile at The Featherington Household

The Featherington household is none the less functioning as one would when an heir you never met nor know nothing about arrives. The Featherington heir, whom Portia’s daughters call Cousin Jack moves in and starts making some rather interesting decor changes.

Portia, who is worried that Jack will do what is best by him and not her and her daughters, is constantly trying to aid him. To be fair, Portia’s husband wasn’t intelligent when it came to the family finances.

Jack does pay Phillipia’s dowry, and she weds Mr. Finch in a small wedding which pleases both families. However, Jack seems to think he needs to find a guide as he is unfamiliar with London.

Portia is perfect for the job but he rather spend time with the Cowpers, especially the snobbish Cressida. Considering how unwelcoming the Cowpers are, Portia’s growing fears are understandable.

But out of all the daughters, Penelope is in high spirits because Colin Bridgerton has returned. She had been writing to him throughout the entirety of his travels and had hoped that perhaps he’d see her in a new light.

Alas, when Penelope and Colin meet again at Lady Danbury’s soiree, he regards her still as his friend. A title Penelope tries to carry without bursting into tears at the scene.

At least she can mingle and meet Edwina Sharma. That surely won’t backfire right?

Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 2 recap – Will Lady Whistledown be discovered?

Queen Charlotte is more determined than ever to discover Lady Whistledown’s true identity. So much so that she requires help.

She meets with Edwina and Kate Sharma at her palace. There they observe the beautiful zebras and converse about trusting those they don’t know.

Queen Charlotte’s plan, as Lady Danbury figures out, is to know which young women speak with Edwina. She hopes that she can narrow down her options into figuring out who Lady Whistledown is.

Although Eloise likes that Lady Whistledown is broadening her topics in her gossip pamphlets, she still wants to unmask her. She notices the paper used for her gossip is the same as another and finds the printing location.

However, she is unable to discover anything useful from an employee. She does make some remarks to Penelope about Lady Whistledown’s writing.

Penelope rushes to a market to purchase a new letter K for the printing press when she is caught by the modiste Genevieve. In a panic Penelope flees.

Queen Charlotte now has a comprised list of all the women who spoke with Edwina at the soiree and of course, Penelope is one of them.

Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 2 review

Anthony might finally be making actual attempts to win Edwina’s heart. He is not a poet, he doesn’t do romantic gestures outside of lavished gifts and he certainly has issues regarding love.

But he is trying. However, each time we see him anywhere near Kate, we notice the obvious tension between them.

Will he be able to break down some of her barriers down? Probably.

The fact that Penelope is very close to being discovered as Lady Whistledown is thrilling and realistic to watch unfold. The more people read her gossip the bigger a target she places on her back.

It’s sad to see Colin regard her as a friend. He is very oblivious to her gentle attempts to get closer to him.

It’s frustrating and broke my heart a bit to see her so sad. Hopefully he’ll come around.

As for her family, I do not believe Cousin Jack would harm or cause the Featheringtons misfortune. He’s simply doing his job as heir, something Portia doesn’t see because of her own husband’s failures.

She’s used to running the household, so surely she and Cousin Jack will butt heads eventually. I will say though it is strange not to see Anthony’s friend and Daphne’s husband Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.

He should be there providing Anthony with as much insight as possible. But perhaps that will be Daphne’s task in the coming episodes.

What did you think of Bridgerton season 2, episode 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.