Season 4 of Bridgerton introduces us to the newest addition to the Bridgerton family—Baby Edmund, the future heir to the viscounty.
As we catch up with Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), the beloved couple from Season 2, their return to England brings a mix of joy, reflection, and some familiar family tension.
The latest episodes, now streaming on Netflix, offer a closer look at their new chapter as parents and the ripple effects it has on the family dynamic.
The couple’s journey to parenthood has been an adventure in itself. After announcing Kate’s pregnancy toward the end of Season 3, the couple decided to welcome their child in Kate’s home country, India, to ensure that Baby Edmund would have a connection to his mother’s cultural roots.
In Episode 6 of Season 4, Kate and Anthony make their way back to England, their new baby in tow, after what we can assume was a long and grueling journey.
Anthony, sporting a charming “new dad” beard, is eager to dive back into his old life, but Kate has other plans.
As soon as Edmund stirs, Anthony is ready to jump into action: “Straight to the pall mall pitch!” he exclaims, wondering what color mallet their son might prefer. Kate, on the other hand, seems in no rush, humorously responding that she and Edmund are staying in bed a bit longer after the arduous journey.
Later in the episode, we get a sweet, family-centered moment as Kate reunites with her mother-in-law, Violet (Ruth Gemmell), and her sisters-in-law, including Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Francesca (Hannah Dodd), and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt).
The women, always eager to share the latest gossip, turn their attention to the town’s latest scandal. Kate, with her newfound sense of motherhood, intervenes with a gentle reminder that everyone deserves a second chance, even Cressida (Jessica Madsen), who’s been the subject of their criticism.
Just as the conversation softens, Edmund’s baby nurse enters, and the family is quick to shower the little one with affection.
Violet beams with pride, Penelope lovingly scoops him into her arms, and Eloise, though not one for children, offers a polite wave.
Meanwhile, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) finds Benedict (Luke Thompson) hanging out in the hallway, clearly unsure about the arrival of the new heir. She teases him, asking if Edmund’s birth has pushed Benedict out of the picture when it comes to family duties.
Benedict, in a rare moment of vulnerability, admits that he’s been dreading the arrival of this child. Edmund, after all, now takes his place as the rightful heir to the viscounty.
But Benedict’s emotions are more complex than just envy. There’s a pang of love, too, as he watches his family unite over the joy of a new baby.
Yet, that love is tinged with something else—regret. Benedict knows that, given his ongoing affair with Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), any children they might have wouldn’t be met with the same celebration from the Bridgertons.
This complicates Benedict’s relationship with his family, especially with Anthony, who’s been summoned by Violet to help resolve matters. In an emotionally charged scene at their favorite gentlemen’s club, Anthony confronts Benedict about his relationship with Sophie.
True to their sibling dynamic, their conversation turns into a heated argument, with Anthony urging Benedict to end his affair before it causes irreparable damage to the family’s reputation.
Benedict, understandably frustrated with his brother’s interference, sarcastically retorts, “Thank the devil you returned, with a new heir no less. Congratulations, by the way.”
The drama of Baby Edmund’s arrival goes beyond the immediate family. The little one may only be a few months old, but his presence already has a profound impact on the Bridgerton household.
As Season 4 hurtles toward its thrilling conclusion, both Anthony and Benedict are forced to navigate the complexities of family, duty, and love—lessons they’ll carry into the future.
