In Bridgerton season 2, Penelope uses Lady Whistledown’s column to expose Eloise’s meetings with Theo Sharpe and her association with political radicals. She does it to divert Queen Charlotte’s suspicion that Eloise is Whistledown—but the public scandal harms Eloise and breaks their friendship.
What Penelope published about Eloise
Queen Charlotte suspects Eloise is the anonymous gossip writer and threatens to disgrace her. Penelope, fearing the consequences for Eloise, publishes a column connecting her to political radicals and Theo Sharpe. The scandal gives the Queen reason to doubt that Eloise is secretly writing as Lady Whistledown. Netflix’s Penelope character overview and Shondaland’s season 2 recap describe the move as Penelope’s attempt to redirect the Queen’s attention.
Why it was both protective and hurtful
Penelope intends the column to shield Eloise from the Queen’s accusation, but the protection comes at a serious cost: Eloise is publicly ostracized. Penelope acts without Eloise’s knowledge or consent, using the same anonymous publication that has let her control other people’s reputations. What Penelope sees as a diversion, Eloise experiences as a betrayal.
How Eloise discovers the truth
Eloise eventually realizes Penelope is Lady Whistledown and confronts her. She is furious not only because Penelope lied, but because Whistledown has written about Eloise and her family. Claudia Jessie, who plays Eloise, described the situation as having “layers of betrayal” in a Netflix Tudum interview. Their friendship breaks apart.
#1 Best Overall
- gorgeous sprayed edges
- intricate foil iconography
- ribbon bookmark
- beautiful endpapers
What happens to their friendship afterward
In season 3, the two begin to work together again. When Cressida claims to be Lady Whistledown, Penelope and Eloise join forces to publish an issue challenging that claim, according to Netflix Tudum’s season 3 finale recap.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the story the same in the books?
This answer describes the Netflix series. The show reveals Penelope’s identity to Eloise earlier than the Julia Quinn books do, so their reconciliation and reveal timing should not be assumed to match across the two versions, as Netflix Tudum notes in its interview with Claudia Jessie.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
