Bridgerton Season 4 Exclusive Clip: Penelope Makes an Accidental Bet With the Queen

Bridgerton Season 4 is almost here, which means it's time for Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) to make a new pick for the individual she'll champion this season. In the past, the queen has selected debutantes who have caught her eye: Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) in Season 1, Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) in Season 2, and Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) in Season 3. But by the looks of the Season 4 clip below, which TV Guide can exclusively reveal, the queen is switching things up this season and championing a suitor instead. Only Penelope Bridgerton (Nicola Coughlan) has some qualms about the bachelor whom the queen has zeroed in on. 

"I do not think Benedict Bridgerton is your pick for the season," Penelope, who revealed herself as Lady Whistledown in the Season 3 finale, tells Queen Charlotte at the masquerade ball. Sure, the ladies of the ton are looking Benedict's (Luke Newton) way, and he would be a most popular selection. But Penelope is doubtful of her brother-in-law's intentions to settle down. "I know Benedict," she says to the determined queen. "Of all the men of the ton, I would wager that Benedict Bridgerton is the least likely to marry."

That phrasing immediately piques Queen Charlotte's interest. Her majesty loves a bet, and Penelope has just unintentionally proposed a very enticing one. Penelope tries to clarify — she didn't mean that literally, of course — but it's too late. "We have a wager," the queen announces. Given that Season 4 tells the love story between Benedict and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), the Lady in Silver he meets at this same masquerade ball, we have an idea of who's coming out on top in this gamble. 

Watch the exclusive clip from Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1, premiering Thursday on Netflix.

More on Bridgerton:

• Bridgerton Season 4: Release date, cast, latest news, and everything to know
• Bridgerton is finally setting up a queer love story. What will that look like in Season 4?
• 15 shows to watch if you love Bridgerton

Bridgerton Seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 4 Part 1 premieres Thursday, Jan. 29.