Bridgerton Season 3 finds Violet Bridgerton at a crossroads. She also has several unmarried children, but according to Regency social mores, it's time for her to hand over control to her daughter-in-law Kate (Simone Ashley), the new Viscountess of Bridgeton. Fortunately, Kate objects, allowing Violet to continue piloting the Bridgerton.
In part, this is a commentary on Ruth Gemmell's role in the hit Netflix series, which returns on May 16. Rather than relegating her to a background character, this decision solidifies her as the titular central character while potentially opening the door for her to have her own romantic arc as well.
"She was probably a little jealous (seeing her kids fall in love). It awakened something in her and she was surprised that the feeling was awakened," Gemmell tells Bustle, referring to the show's time Violet's husband died before the table. "It was like putting a mirror in front of her and showing her how much of a void Edmund's death had left."
The new drama continues the main line of the spin-off drama "Queen Charlotte" . Violet realizes that her metaphorical garden is "blooming." In season three, she meets a potential suitor, Lady Danbury's mysterious brother Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis). "She allowed herself to be charmed by him and flirted with him," Gemmell said.
Below, she breaks down #Polin's shipping situation, potential complications with Marcus, and the behind-the-scenes details she encourages fans to look for.
This season, Violet is helping her two children with their relationships. How does her attitude change between Colin and Francesca?
With Francesca, she was too nervous to speak her mind. She was terrified of what the Queen would say. She's Diamond, which is cute, but a little nerve-wracking considering she doesn't want to play the game. Then there's a lovely scene where Colin is hungover and doesn't want to go to the dance. [My character] coaxes him about how he’s going to miss the opportunity of a lifetime if he doesn’t take the ball seriously. I like.
As fans wait for Part 2, are there any #Polin clues they should be on the lookout for?
It was nice to go back and see how much [Penelope] desired him and how much she avoided the issue. You see Colin doing something similar, but he doesn't realize it. In the book, Violet always encourages her sons, especially Colin, to dance with Penelope. So I like the idea that she's always thought Penelope was the way forward for Colin, almost like she's been waiting for him to wake up and smell the coffee.
I always enjoy watching the actors behind the scenes. Do you have a fondest memory from filming Season 3?
I dare say anyone could have found this, but there was a group of us [shooting] a very complicated scene that involved a lot of rehearsal. We were deep in the background and no one could see us. This went on and we were freezing. To entertain ourselves, we kept switching places. It puts a smile on my face.
We don’t know much about Marcus yet. How does his relationship with Lady Danbury affect Violet?
Violet will be very hesitant to dip her toe in the water and embrace life again. She realized this was a very complex issue for her friend and was worried about [gaining] her friend's consent. No matter what she wants from life, there is nothing standing between her and her children, or her friendships. These are the things that hold her together. Flirting is one thing, but she needs everyone involved.
It might be like asking a mother who her favorite child is. But as a viewer, is there a particular love story that excites you in Season 4 or beyond?
They all have their own uniqueness. I'm always excited about the character of Eloise. She's so cool, so I'm excited about what she brings to the table.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photographer: David Rice
Styling: Miranda Almond
Makeup: Charlotte Yeomans
Hair: Adam Cook
