Following the release of Bridgerton season three, some eagle-eyed fans spotted an additional hint that Benedict's book romance may be leaping from page to screen sooner than we think.
Sharing a behind-the-scenes snap to Instagram, a Bridgerton wig artist revealed that Lady Cowper's name first name is Araminta - better known in the books as the step-mother of Benedict's love interest Sophie Beckett.
Given Eloise's newfound friendship with Lady Cowper's daughter Cressida, fans have speculated that her estranged step-sister may soon be introduced to the Bridgerton family at one of their many soirees in part two of the third season.
What happens in Benedict Bridgerton's love story?
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
If you're keen for a little insight into the love life of this artsy man with a penchant for hallucinogenic tea, his novel is called An Offer From a Gentleman and follows his relationship with Sophie Beckett.
Julia Quinn went full "Cinderella" with this one, introducing readers to Sophie - the illegitimate daughter of an Earl, who was left to work as a servant for his wife and her daughters when he passed away.
She sneaks out of the house one night and attends a masquerade ball at the Bridgerton's place, meeting Benedict and falling head over heels. Who wants to bet he has all the detective skills of Chad Michael Murray in A Cinderella Story when it comes to identifying her? If you know, you know.
Years pass and the pair finally cross paths again when Benedict visits her new workplace. Realising she's in a dodgy situation, he "rescues" her to come and work at his family home.
They fall for each other - duh - but due to that whole Regency-era society thing, they're not considered a good match and can't tie the knot.
A good way of summing it up thereafter would be: chaos ensues, love triumphs, we love Benedict and Sophie. You can buy the book here.
However, this isn't the first time fans have theorised over who season four of Bridgerton will centre on. In February fans speculated that Eloise would be the focus of season four.
Why? Because a character list on author Julia Quinn's website listed Eloise's respective novel, To Sir Phillip, With Love above Benedict's romance novel.
Who is Luke Thompson, AKA Benedict Bridgerton?
Luke Thompson is a 35-year-old British actor, best known for his role as Benedict Bridgerton in the Netflix romance series, Bridgerton.
He's a trained actor, having studied at the University of Bristol and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Interestingly, Thompson spent eight years of his youth in France.
He is known around London for his stage roles, which include productions A Little Life and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
His turn in Bridgerton may have scored him a role in upcoming Netflix mini-series, Transatlantic.
While some might interpret Thompson's theatre fame and string of Shakespearean roles as being more 'serious' than Benedict Bridgerton, Thompson has been quick to defend the romantic genre.
"I think misogyny has played a large part [in the misinterpretation of the romance genre]. It’s often labelled as over-the-top or silly. And I think: Take a look at sci-fi. That’s f---ing stupid too," he told Time Out London.
Outside the world of The Ton, Luke is also rumoured to be in a relationship with his Bridgerton co-star Harriet Cains, who portrays Phillippa Featherington.
Will there be a fourth season of Bridgerton?
As fans continue to speculate over who season four will focus on, the good news is that the season is definitely happening.
In April 2021, before season two dropped, Netflix confirmed that the series would be renewed for both seasons three and four.
When will season four of Bridgerton be released?
As fans continue to bask in the friends-to-lovers glory of season three, Netflix has refrained from sharing any further details about a release date for Bridgerton season four.
