Bridgerton season 2 episode 7, aptly titled “Harmony,” marks a pivotal turning point, revealing Anthony Bridgerton’s true feelings for Kate Sharma and setting the stage for a tumultuous yet hopeful conclusion. The episode revolves around the calamitous Sheffield dinner and its aftermath, finally forcing both Anthony and Kate to confront the depth of their undeniable connection.
The Sheffield Dinner: A Recipe for Disaster
The episode’s core is undeniably the ill-fated dinner hosted by Lady Danbury for the Sheffields, Kate’s maternal grandparents. Intended to secure a dowry for Edwina and therefore solidify her marriage to Anthony, the dinner quickly spirals into a vicious battle of words, unearthing painful secrets and long-held grudges.
Unveiling the Truth: Secrets Come to Light
The Sheffields, harboring resentment towards Kate’s mother for marrying beneath her station and effectively disinheriting herself, openly express their disdain for the Sharma family. Lady Mary Sharma’s past is dissected, revealing her love marriage and the subsequent estrangement from her parents. This confrontation deeply impacts Edwina, who overhears the truth about her origins and the true motivations behind Kate’s actions.
Anthony’s Defense: A Glimmer of Hope
In a surprising display of support, Anthony fiercely defends the Sharma women against the Sheffields’ scathing remarks. While publicly upholding his engagement to Edwina, his passionate defense of Kate’s family and his acknowledgement of their inherent worth hints at his growing affection for Kate herself. This is a crucial turning point, demonstrating a significant shift in his priorities and a hint that he’s starting to see beyond societal expectations.
Edwina’s Disillusionment: The Breaking Point
Hearing the truth about her family’s past and realizing the sacrifices Kate made on her behalf, Edwina understandably feels betrayed and heartbroken. The dinner serves as the catalyst for her questioning her relationship with Anthony and the entire premise of their engagement. The perfect, fairytale romance she envisioned shatters, replaced by a harsh reality.
The Aftermath: Confrontations and Confessions
Following the disastrous dinner, the emotional fallout continues to reverberate through the characters’ lives.
Kate and Anthony: The Unspoken Truth
Despite the awkwardness and the impending wedding, Kate and Anthony find themselves drawn together. Their shared guilt over hurting Edwina and their undeniable attraction create a palpable tension. While they still resist verbally expressing their feelings, their interactions are charged with longing and regret.
Edwina’s Revelation: A Choice for Herself
Edwina, deeply affected by the evening’s events, seeks solace in prayer and reflection. She confronts Anthony about his feelings for Kate, leading to a painful but honest conversation. This confrontation ultimately empowers Edwina to make a crucial decision about her own future, realizing that she deserves a love built on genuine connection, not societal obligation.
Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton: Navigating the Crisis
Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, horrified by the evening’s events, attempt to salvage the situation. They grapple with the ramifications of the Sheffield’s withdrawal of the dowry and the crumbling engagement. Both women recognize the complex emotions at play and the potential for heartbreak for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly did the Sheffields say that was so offensive at the dinner?
The Sheffields made repeated, condescending remarks about Lady Mary Sharma’s past “indiscretion” of marrying a man beneath her social standing. They questioned Kate’s motives for fostering the engagement between Edwina and Anthony, implying it was solely for financial gain and that she was essentially a social climber. They also refused to acknowledge Kate’s sacrifices for her family.
Q2: Why was Anthony so quick to defend the Sharma family?
While initially drawn to Edwina’s perceived innocence and suitability, Anthony’s interactions with Kate throughout the season have fostered a deep respect and genuine affection. He sees her strength, her unwavering loyalty to her family, and her inherent goodness. Defending them was also a way to defend his own evolving feelings and to show that he values character above social status.
Q3: What is the significance of Edwina overhearing the Sheffields’ conversation?
Edwina overhearing the truth about her family’s history shatters her idealized view of her life and the world. It forces her to confront the complexities of her parentage and the sacrifices her sister made for her. This realization is crucial for her character development, allowing her to become more independent and assertive in making her own choices.
Q4: How does the Sheffield dinner impact Kate and Anthony’s relationship?
The dinner forces Kate and Anthony to confront the elephant in the room – their mutual attraction and the fact that their feelings for each other are far stronger than Anthony’s purported feelings for Edwina. It adds another layer of guilt and complexity to their relationship, but also solidifies their bond through shared responsibility for the fallout.
Q5: Why doesn’t Kate just confess her feelings to Anthony?
Kate is bound by duty and loyalty to her sister. She promised her father she would ensure Edwina’s happiness, and she believes that facilitating Edwina’s marriage to Anthony is the best way to fulfill that promise. Her sense of obligation, coupled with the societal constraints placed upon women in that era, prevents her from acting on her true feelings.
Q6: What is Lady Danbury’s role in this episode?
Lady Danbury is primarily focused on damage control. She attempts to smooth things over with the Sheffields and salvage the situation before it completely implodes. She also acts as a confidante to both Violet Bridgerton and the Sharma sisters, offering advice and perspective during this challenging time.
Q7: How does Edwina change after the Sheffield dinner?
Edwina undergoes a significant transformation. She sheds her naiveté and begins to question the societal expectations placed upon her. She becomes more assertive in expressing her needs and desires, demonstrating a growing sense of self-awareness and independence.
Q8: Is the dowry lost completely after the Sheffield dinner?
While the Sheffields explicitly threaten to withdraw the dowry during the dinner, the final decision is not explicitly stated within the episode. The implications, however, are clear: the Sharma family’s financial security is now precarious, adding another layer of pressure to the already complicated situation.
Q9: What is the significance of the episode being titled “Harmony”?
The title “Harmony” is ironic, as the episode is anything but harmonious. It highlights the discord and disharmony that are bubbling beneath the surface of society’s meticulously constructed facade. It also hints at the ultimate goal of finding harmony within oneself and one’s relationships, a goal that remains elusive throughout the episode.
Q10: What are Anthony’s main motivations in this episode?
While Anthony is initially driven by his desire to fulfill his duty and secure a suitable match, his motivations become increasingly conflicted. He struggles between his societal obligations, his genuine affection for Kate, and his growing awareness of Edwina’s desires. His defense of the Sharma family shows a shift toward valuing genuine connection over societal expectations.
Q11: How does this episode set up the final episodes of season 2?
“Harmony” lays the groundwork for the season’s climax. It reveals the depth of the emotional connections between the characters, highlights the societal pressures they face, and sets the stage for a final confrontation and resolution of the central romantic conflict. Edwina’s newfound independence and Anthony’s conflicted feelings are key plot points that drive the remaining episodes.
Q12: Is there any hope for Kate and Anthony after this episode?
Despite the numerous obstacles and the pain inflicted on Edwina, there is still hope for Kate and Anthony. The undeniable connection between them, coupled with Anthony’s increasingly obvious affection for Kate, suggests that they will eventually find a way to be together. However, the path to their happiness will undoubtedly be fraught with challenges and sacrifices.