Anyone else an emotional wreck after watching the end of Netflix's Bridgerton season four? Yep, us too. And while we're no way ready to say goodbye to Benedict and Sophie's love story, we are very invested as to who the next season will be about, and right now all the clues seem to hint towards Eloise Bridgerton and Sir Phillip Crane...
It has been confirmed by Netflix the next two seasons of Bridgerton will focus on Eloise and Francesca's love stories, however, as to which order these two storylines will happen in is yet to be confirmed.
If you haven't read the Bridgerton books by Julia Quinn the series is based on [SPOILER ALERT] Eloise ends up falling in love with Sir Phillip Crane, who we have already met in seasons one and two, as he is currently married to Marina Thompson and is played by Chris Fulton.
And now it seems we'll be seeing a lot more of Chris on our screens, as these are all the big hidden clues you missed that suggest next season will be Eloise and Phillip's love story.
The 5 hidden clues Bridgerton season 5 will be about Eloise and Phillip
All the spinster talk in season 4
If there was one thing to sum up Eloise's time on the fourth season it would be the word "spinster". Throughout all the episodes' Eloise's main plot was (as always) avoiding the marriage mart, and resigning her self to the "spinster shelf".
With a number of seasons out in society, Eloise is approaching the age of not being as desirable to suitors and it would seem unlikely we'd watch a fifth season of Eloise just avoiding the marriage mart. Where would the character development be? We need to see her enter her lover era.
Eloise softening to the idea of love
As the fourth season of Bridgerton progressed we got to see a different side to Eloise and one that seemed to suggest from the writers Eloise is more open to the idea of love and marriage, and therefore in a good position for the next season to be all about her relationship.
When visiting Cressida Cowper at her new home, Eloise listens to Cressida speak about marriage and love, with Cressida saying: "It [love] has the power to change's one life." To which Eloise replies, "yes, I am starting to see that."
It's a subtle moment but one that seems to suggest a change in Eloise's mood that is setting her up for a big change come next season.
Eloise trying to persuade Hyacinth about romantic relationships
The other side of Eloise's plot this season was the exploration of her sisterly bond with Hyacinth, which culminated in a surprising confession from Eloise that saw her encourage her younger sister to still pursue romantic love, even if there can be heartache too.
She then adds how she can now see the upside to marriage, after spending the season with Hyacinth.
"I can see that on occasion, marriage might have its advantages," she said. "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."
Sorry but who is this romantic woman? And what have you done with Eloise? Surely this is a massive hint Eloise's love story is next?
Eloise saying she loves a wedding
In perhaps one of the most shocking moments of the season was Eloise's confession that she loves a wedding. While waiting for Benedict and Sophie's ceremony to begin the Bridgertons are seen discussing who would be married next, and Eloise literally says: "Oh I do love a wedding, all the best people in teh same place," before going onto clarify, "as an attendee."
Now, while she may have meant as just a guest at wedding, the scene did feel like a knowing wink from the writers to the audience that the next wedding we'll be seeing will indeed be Eloise and Phillip's.
Francesca is still deep in grief
Francesca's season could potentially be next however, within the wider plot of the show, it doesn't make sense timing wise.
Following the heart-breaking death of her husband John Stirling, Francesca is still deep in the grieving process, seen at Benedict and Sophie's wedding still observing mourning dress and explicitly saying she wasn't going to get married again.
When Penelope asks her if she'll do it again, Francesca says she has had her "great love" and that "one time is enough".
Now, while we of course know Francesca will get another great love in the shape of Michaela, it seems odd perhaps to make it their season next when both women are still so deep in their grief.
Bridgerton season four is available on Netflix now
