*Warning: Spoilers ahead for season three of Bridgerton and Cressida Cowper.*
If you would have told us at the start of season three of Bridgerton that by the end of it we would be rooting for Cressida Cowper to have her own happily ever after, we would never have believed you. Yet, here we are.
The former background character and nemesis to Eloise and Pen startled viewers in season 3, when it was revealed that she and Eloise were now close friends.
As her role took more prominence this season, we began to understand her pressures at home, and even empathize with the character portrayed by Jessica Madsen.
We felt for her when she missed a romance opportunity with Lord Debling, as he confessed to Penelope Featherington that he couldn’t propose due to her feelings for Colin.
We felt horrified when her parents tried setting her up with an older man, and downright embarrassed for her when she pretended to be Lady Whistledown.
Who is Cressida Cowper?
Cressida Cowper debuted in society alongside Daphne Bridgerton in the show’s first season. Initially perceived as a love rival, her romantic pursuits didn’t pan out. In season two, Cressida again took on the role of villain, scoffing at the possibility of Eloise being named the diamond of the season and criticizing Eloise’s friendship with Penelope by calling them “wallflowers.”
This makes it shocking to see Eloise and Cressida as friends in season three after both Eloise and Penelope had voiced their distaste for her in the past. It’s evident that Cressida’s home life is tense, with desperate parents pushing her towards marriage. Her father even threatens to cut off her allowance if she does not find a match soon.
A Narrative Twist
Cressida’s desperation leads her to outrageous lengths. When faced with an arranged marriage set by her parents with a much older family friend, she claims to be Lady Whistledown upon hearing that the queen seeks to unmask Whistledown. However, Queen Charlotte doesn’t believe her.
Eloise cuts ties with Cressida once she finds out she’s lying, making matters worse as her father withdraws financial support. At this point, Penelope Featherington reveals herself as the real Lady Whistledown, further discrediting Cressida.
An Alternate Ending
Cressida’s ultimate fate diverges significantly between the show and books. In Julia Quinn’s novels, by the fourth book (which focuses on Colin and Penelope), Cressida is already widowed and struggling without any semblance of happiness.
The series has fleshed out Cressida’s character more fully. She unveils that the real Lady Whistledown is likely a redhead before being sent off to stay with relatives in Wales by her disgruntled parents.
Cressida’s Potential Future
The potential for a queer love story between Eloise and Cressida was hinted at but left unresolved with Cressida’s banishment. Fans are left questioning what might come next for her in future seasons of Bridgerton. Only time will tell if Cressida will get another chance at happiness on screen or continue down a tumultuous path.
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