The Bridgerton Powers That Be have been keeping us in suspense when it comes to Season 5, but one thing we do know? The season will either focus on Eloise or Francesca—and fans seem to think Eloise is the most likely contender based on 1) her character making it pretty (and unexpectedly!) clear she's not averse to marriage, and 2) Francesca potentially needing more time to mourn John Stirling's death before being ready to fall in love again.
But...does Eloise—a self-described spinster—actually find love in the Bridgerton books? And more importantly, who does she end up with?! Keep reading for tea, but please be advised that spoilers are ahead. Obviously!!!!
Does Eloise Get Married?
Yes! Not only does she get married and become Lady Crane, she has multiple children and stepchildren (at least in the books). Kind of a shock given how staunchly anti-marriage she's been so far, but again: her stance softened in Season 4. Eloise even told Hyacinth, "I can see that on occasion, marriage might have its advantages. Companionship, family, a prime seat at a soiree. And then if not for mother and father's marriage, we would not all have each other, which seems a rather large reward."
Who Does Eloise End Up With?
Eloise falls for Sir Phillip Crane, who we've actually met before. Sir Phillip is husband to Marina Thompson—who Colin Bridgerton fell for when she came to live with the Featheringtons in Season 1. Marina passes away in the books, and Sir Phillip later falls for Eloise.
Unless they recast him (which the show has done in the past), Sir Phillip will be played by Chris Fulton.
Which Bridgerton Book Focuses on Eloise?
Author Julia Quinn's fourth novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love, is allllll about Eloise and Phillip's steamy relationship.
How Does Their Love Story Unfold?
Here's the official description:
Sir Phillip, a moody widower, knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring that she’d be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except . . . she wasn’t. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . and more. Did he think she was mad? Eloise Bridgerton couldn’t marry a man she had never met. But then she started thinking . . . and wondering . . . and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match in this delightful Regency romance. Except . . . he wasn’t. Her perfect husband wouldn’t be such a grumpy hero, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away, and she couldn’t help but wonder . . . could this imperfect man be perfect for her?
In other words, we have a haters to lovers / grumpy hero + extrovert heroine situation on our hands. Cannot! Wait!
