‘Bridgerton’ Season 3, Part 2 Ending Explained—How Does Colin Discover Penelope’s Secret?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for all of Bridgerton Season 3.

The highly anticipated moment for Bridgerton fans has arrived. The second part of Season 3 is now available for streaming on Netflix. From Colin uncovering Penelope’s true identity to the introduction of Michaela Stirling (yes, Michaela, not Michael), keep reading to learn how Bridgerton Season 3, Part 2 concludes.

Engagement and Secrets

In Season 3, Episode 5, “Tick Tock,” the story continues at Bridgerton House following Colin’s proposal. Colin proudly announces to his family, “We are engaged!” His mother and siblings celebrate the news, but Eloise retreats to the hallway, distressed. She confronts Penelope, exclaiming, “You cannot marry him! Does he know... that you are Whistledown?” Penelope pleads for time to find the right moment to reveal her secret.

Meanwhile, the Featheringtons learn about the engagement through Lady Whistledown’s column. Penelope’s mother is upset that she didn’t accept Lord Debling’s proposal. As Portia rants about her disapproval, Colin intervenes, asserting, “Your daughter did not entrap me. I proposed to her out of love, nothing less.”

Colin takes Penelope to see the building that will be their new home after marriage. Thankful for his defense, their intimacy deepens, culminating in the steamy “Mirror scene” from Julia Quinn’s book "Romancing Mister Bridgerton," a moment fans have eagerly awaited.

The Queen’s Challenge

Throughout Episode 5, Penelope attempts to tell Colin her secret but is repeatedly interrupted. The situation becomes more pressing when Queen Charlotte offers 5,000 pounds for proof of Lady Whistledown’s identity. Eloise warns Penelope that she has until midnight to tell Colin, or she will. The situation escalates when Cressida claims to be Lady Whistledown at the couple’s engagement party, casting doubt among the ton and the Queen.

Eloise advises Penelope to let Colin remain in the dark now that Cressida has taken credit. “You cannot be both,” Eloise tells her. “You had a good run, but it’s just gossip. Let it go.”

The Ball and Revelation

At the Mondrich ball, Cressida appears uninvited, announcing a surprise for the Queen. She needs to produce another Whistledown issue to claim her reward, and she distributes a convincing memo teasing the next publication. Penelope and Eloise are shocked and Penelope decides to publish again to discredit Cressida.

Colin's Discovery

Colin discovers Penelope’s secret identity at the end of Season 3, Episode 6, “Romancing Mister Bridgerton.” After following Penelope to her publisher’s office, he confronts her. “You... are Lady Whistledown?” he demands. Penelope confesses, and Colin, heartbroken, recounts the lies and the impact on his family. “I will never forgive you,” he says before walking away. The next morning, Penelope’s column exposes Cressida’s lie.

Eloise's Forgiveness

While promenading, Penelope confides in Eloise that Colin knows her secret. Despite Eloise’s forgiveness, she cannot help Penelope mend things with Colin. Colin confronts Eloise, asking how long she knew. When she asks if he can forgive Penelope, he coldly responds, “You have never been in love.”

Wedding and Intrigue

Despite the revelation, Colin insists on marrying Penelope out of honor. The night before the wedding, they have a breakthrough conversation. Penelope explains her motives, expressing newfound confidence. They reaffirm their love and kiss.

On their wedding day, Queen Charlotte surprises everyone, demanding someone reveal a hidden secret. Francesca steps forward, but the Queen insists she’s referring to Lady Whistledown. Colin tells Penelope she must stop writing the column.

Cressida's Blackmail

Cressida, desperate to avoid her father’s punishment, resumes her search for Whistledown. A printer’s apprentice leads her to Penelope. Cressida plans to blackmail Penelope, demanding 10,000 pounds. Penelope informs Colin, who vows not to pay a single penny and confronts Cressida himself.

Cressida refuses to back down, increasing her demands. Penelope decides to write a letter to the Queen and Lady Bridgerton, enclosing money for Prudence and Phillipa’s ball.

The Grand Reveal

At the Dankworth-Finch ball, the Queen announces she has received a letter from Lady Whistledown. She points to Penelope, who steps forward, admitting her identity. She explains her initial motives and vows to write responsibly with the Queen’s permission. The Queen accepts, and everyone applauds.

Colin, realizing he cannot separate Penelope from Whistledown, supports her. Cressida is sent away, and in the final scene, Penelope, Prudence, and Phillipa have given birth. Penelope and Colin have a baby boy, the new Lord Featherington. Colin writes his first book, and Penelope retires Lady Whistledown, signing her columns as Penelope Bridgerton.

Michaela Stirling's Introduction

The final episode introduces Michaela Stirling, portrayed by Masali Baduza. Unlike the books where Michael Stirling marries Francesca after John’s death, Michaela’s introduction sets the stage for a queer romance in future seasons, fulfilling showrunner Jess Brownell’s promise of more LGBTQ+ storylines.

All episodes of Bridgerton Season 3 are now streaming on Netflix