Sure, Bridgerton Season 3 had its fair share of stolen glances, grand balls, and swoon-worthy declarations of love. But eagle-eyed viewers (and those who pay attention to the fine print of Regency-era economics) noticed something even more captivating: Penelope Featherington, the wallflower turned literary mastermind, is rolling in dough.
Forget landing a lord, Penelope's entrepreneurial spirit and impressive financial independence are the real #goals of the season.
The scene that had everyone clutching their pearls (and checking their math)? When Cressida Cowper, Penelope's nemesis and all-around scheming menace, attempts to blackmail her.
Cressida, desperate to regain some social standing and knowing Penelope's secret identity as Lady Whistledown, demands an exorbitant sum – double the Queen's reward for unmasking the mysterious gossip columnist.
"Ten thousand pounds!" gasps Portia Featherington, Penelope's perpetually flustered mother, nearly fainting at the thought.
But Penelope, with a calm confidence that would make even the most seasoned businesswoman envious, simply replies, "I could cover that twice over."
Cue the collective jaw drop.
In a society obsessed with marriage and securing a financially advantageous match, Penelope has quietly built her own empire.
As Lady Whistledown, she holds the power of the quill, controlling narratives and influencing the very fabric of London society.
And let's not forget, she's not just popular, she's profitable. While the exact figures of Lady Whistledown's earnings remain shrouded in secrecy (even from us, dear readers!), it's clear that her loyal readership extends to the wealthiest corners of the ton.
"Five thousand pounds for a season's worth of Society Papers?" muses one awestruck viewer on Twitter.
"That's more than most families earn in a year!"
Penelope's financial independence isn't just impressive; it's a breath of fresh air in a world where women are often defined by their marital status and their proximity to wealth (preferably inherited).
"Penelope is out there living her best life," declared one fan on social media.
"She's got a successful career, a loving family (despite their quirks), and more money than she can spend. Who needs a husband?"
Even Colin Bridgerton, Penelope's longtime love interest, seems taken aback by her hidden depths. In a society where men are often threatened by a woman's success, Colin's reaction is telling.
While some might interpret his surprise as insecurity (and let's be honest, there's a bit of that, too), it's also a testament to Penelope's ability to defy expectations.
"I think Colin's a little intimidated by Penelope's success," observes one astute viewer in an online forum.
"And good for her! It's about time the men of the ton realized that women are capable of so much more than embroidery and finding a suitable husband."
As Bridgerton gears up for its highly anticipated fourth season, it's clear that Penelope's story is far from over. She's broken free from the confines of societal expectations, forging her own path and proving that true power lies not in a title or a dowry, but in the courage to embrace one's passions and talents.
So, here's to Penelope Featherington, the queen of the quill, the mistress of her own destiny, and the ultimate inspiration for anyone who's ever dared to dream of a life filled with love, laughter, and a healthy bank account. May her words continue to captivate, her wit continue to charm, and her financial portfolio continue to flourish.
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