A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Penelope Bridgerton: [after Queen Charlotte reveals her identity as Lady Whistledown to the members of the ton] Hello, all. Or should I say, "Dearest Gentle Readers"? I know it is no laughing matter what I have done. In the beginning, I never thought anyone would take my writing seriously. Why should they? No one has ever taken any part of me seriously. I only realize now how common that feeling must be. To be a young lady to whom no one listens. I wrote about all of you because I was captivated by you, living your lives so out in the open. And in writing about all of you, I suddenly felt as if I had a life. I had power. And for anyone in this room who has ever had a taste of that, they should know it can be intoxicating. But I was careless with that power. It was easy to cast aspersions from the shadows where I could not be found. But I see now how much courage it takes to live a life out in the open. To honor one's weaknesses publicly for all to see. And to know, regardless of the outcome, one always has worth. All of us talk. We gossip. Gossip is information. It forges bonds. Especially for those of us who are told so little. But I can no longer conceal the biggest piece of information I have: my identity. That is why I am so very grateful to our queen for forcing me out of the shadows with her most cunning scheme. If she affords me the chance to continue, I mean to aim my quill more responsibly. That is my repentance and my plea.

Queen Charlotte: She seems humbled. But we will be watching that she remains so. What is life without a little gossip?