**Episode 1:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*Tomorrow night, the social season begins, but it might look a little different from what our fair ton has come to expect. Because tomorrow night is Lady Bridgerton's masquerade ball, an event sure to transport its guests into fantasy. Behind the cover of a mask we are free to be anyone we so choose and free to make the acquaintance of anyone we so desire.*

*If anyone were holding out hope that Benedict Bridgerton would take a wife this season, this author should make it known that she does not wager it will happen. But believe what you might wish, dear reader, this author knows best that a small amount of make-believe often has the power to remake reality, to lift us up from the drudgery of a humdrum existence. With a little imagination, the impossible seems possible. Dreams seem tangible. And yet, gentle readers, one must eventually wake up.*

**Episode 2:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*The chase, the hunt, the thrill. It is a fact that all the world is searching for something. And our dear ton is no exception. Some are searching for meaning, others for their better halves, while others are searching for tranquility, much like Lord and Lady Kilmartin, who have decided to seek respite in their London abode this season. And for the season's most notorious gentleman, Mr. Benedict Bridgerton, he was last seen arriving fashionably late to Lady Bridgerton's masquerade. Even the most determined rakes must bow to that most powerful of forces, mothers. This author cannot help but wonder what he is searching for. But be cautious of searching too hard, dear reader, for you might not always like what you find.*

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*This season the ton may have a new prize to seek, the heart of a certain second son. It seems this free-spirited reveler has been seen regularly strolling Rotten Row, intent on leaving the bachelor life behind and attending many more balls. Has this handsome gentleman come out of the cold to join the warmth of society? Could it be that this rake has reformed? Is there a marriage-minded mama or a young lady who would not rejoice at this news? Perhaps there is a particular lady whose company he seeks. This author can only speculate.*

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*While this author had hopes of a certain second son settling down, it seems the well of hope may have run dry. Parched indeed are the young ladies of the ton, though it seems the suitor for whom they thirst has eyes only for a woman who has yet to appear.*

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*It seems this column's favorite second son was whisked to the countryside this week, seemingly concluding the search for his mystery lady. Hearts across Mayfair are surely shattered indeed. This author hopes that in his retreat, our reveler will find whatever it is he truly seeks. Only time will tell.*

**Episode 3:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*Like a butterfly that flaps its wings in London, causing a tempest at Land's End, it seems that the dismissal of a single housemaid from Penwood House some months ago has invited disorder even this author could not have anticipated. So skilled was this maid, apparently, that Lady Penwood was in need of four new maids to replace her. And where better to find new maids than amongst the well-trained staff of neighbors and friends. Lady Penwood is said to have enticed Lady Keswick's lady's maids with promises of better pay, one of Lady Hamilton's laundry maids with the allure of prettier dresses, and poached not two but three housemaids from the Marquess of Leicester. With a shortage of capable staff already plaguing the ton, it seems Mayfair has fallen into disarray. I hear Lady Keswick has even resorted to asking her scullery maid to do her hair, leading to rather unpleasant results. Now, the demand for the best help has soared to new heights, the tempest growing as each household attempts to replenish their ranks. And so, the Great Maid War has begun. Who could have imagined that so very much would be upended by one unassuming maid.*

*Of tempests and butterflies, this author does believe in the power of a little thing to change the circumstances of the world. But sometimes, no matter how hard a little thing flaps its wings if the wind blows the wrong way everything goes back to exactly the way it was.*

**Episode 4:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*The art of portraiture is to capture its subjects as they appear in daily life while allowing the subtleties crackling beneath the surface to shine through. To catch such detail takes an attentive eye and would be beyond the patience of this author, as my attention eye is fixed on the comings and goings of Benedict Bridgerton, who has at last returned to society. But a portrait captures only a single moment in time, and whether this current portrait of Mr. Bridgerton signifies any particular interest in the marriage mart, this author remains uncertain, for any return to society brings with it a number of compelling distractions.*

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*Of late, it seems Mayfair's great Maid Wars are at last beginning to quieten down. And with the hush, the ton is hungry for fresh intrigue. There has been much speculation about which great family is planning to move in next door to Bridgerton House. But, truth be told, this author finds such speculation rather stale. Does one not crave something a little bit more... thrilling?*

*A wise man once said that all the world's a stage with us each a role to play. Certainly long-performed roles can begin, after a time, to feel stifling. But what happens when one decides to play a new game? Will it create something unexpected? Or will it create something worse than one could have ever imagined?*

**Episode 5:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*Of all the sweet nothings a man can whisper in a woman's ear, this author believes the three most common words in Mayfair may be, "be my mistress." This author knows of at least one mister whose wife is not the only woman in his life. Certainly such auxiliary pairings are expected. But if word has reached this author's ears, then a certain mister should perhaps learn to be... more discreet. Being from opposing worlds are often drawn to one another. But though a moth may love a flame it will burn, should they meet.*

*Earlier this week, this author wrote at length about beings from opposing worlds. The draw of two different desires can be torture at best. This author wonders if perhaps the desire is not the problem but the world itself.*

**Episode 6:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*There are moments in our lives when we arrive at a crossroads. We cannot run from it. We cannot go around. We must face it head-on. And in choosing which path to walk, a course is set that may determine one's very fate. Just this week, I hear the new Lord Penwood is fated to arrive at last in Mayfair with his bride. But their nuptials were so secretive, not even this author has found out the particulars. And they are not the only ones who have made a long-awaited return.*

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*If there is anything that unites us all, it is our secrets. As the keeper of yours these past years, it is time at last for this author to tell you a few of her own. For one, I must tell you, Reader, that I have felt a fondness for each and every person I have ever written about. There is a comfort in knowing that we are all human, all fallible, and also all capable of great change. And I come with the secret tonight of great change, indeed. For tonight, I am resting my pen. The issue you hold in your hands will be my last. I thank you, each one of you, for your readership. Knowing you has been one of the great pleasures of my life.*

**Queen Charlotte's Voiceover (her invitations for her ball):**

*Dearest members of the ton,*

*Her Majesty the Queen honors you with her generous invitation to attend the event of the season. It shall be, as all balls thrown by your Queen are, the grandest night of the year. Full of spectacle, glamour, delights, that sort of thing. Your presence is requested. Your style is required. Your absence, without reason, will be noted. Oh, yes. Do note that this is an event in honor of Lady Agatha Danbury. She has chosen to depart from London to go... elsewhere.*

*  *

**Lady Whistledown" AKA The Impersonator:**

*Dearest Gentle Reader,*

*Are you perhaps feeling a little shock? You thought I was gone for good but far too much transpires for this author to remain silent and so we are reunited. It is assuredly a reunion rooted in care and love though this tine with a very different author. But for now, my new identity shall remain a secret. Dear reader, we are going to have so much fun.*

*----------*

**Who do you think the impersonator is? What should we call them? What are your thoughts and opinions on Penelope retiring? What do you feel about someone else taking her place?** 

**Previous-**

[Lady Whistledown Master Post: Season 1.](https://www.reddit.com/r/PolinBridgerton/comments/1lh5s8u/lady_whistledown_master_post_season_1/) 

[Lady Whistledown Master Post: Season 2.](https://www.reddit.com/r/PolinBridgerton/comments/1qzvi5x/lady_whistledown_master_post_season_2/)

[Lady Whistledown Master Post: Season 3.](https://www.reddit.com/r/PolinBridgerton/comments/1qzvs87/lady_whistledown_master_post_season_3/)

Lady Whistledown Master Post: Season 4.