Even Days (Netflix)

**Even Days** is the third episode of *Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story*.

## Synopsis

Charlotte and George grudgingly perform their marital duties. Lady Danbury wants to host a ball. Brimsley spies something curious on Coronation Day.

## Full Summary

The palace staff prepare for the coronation. Brimsley finds Reynolds, who questions his presence downstairs. Brimsley asks the same of Reynolds, who says he's downstairs on an errand. Brimsley says Reynolds holds the king and the queen is looking for him. They need to be united on coronation day. Reynolds says the king will be with her soon. He's studying his sciences in the library. Brimsley subtly tells Reynolds to be sure they're good enough if he takes another lover. Reynolds assures him there are no others. He sends Brimsley to tend to the queen. As he leaves, he sees the king through an open door, getting examined. He asks Reynolds why he's being examined by a stranger doctor in the cellar instead of the royal physician. Reynolds tells him he's seen nothing. Brimsley leaves to attend the queen.

Violet Ledger declares Coronation Day a great day, no matter what her mother says. Miss Fernburst agrees, so Violet asks why her mother called it a farce. Miss Fernburst doesn't answer.

Violet questions Miss Fernburst as they walk about the new queen and how her mother has reacted to her. Miss Fernburst warns her not to repeat what her mother has said to anyone outside the family.

Violet sits on the floor behind her mother's chair and listens as Vivian tells Lord Ledger that she accepts the new queen. It's not her place to question the Palace. And she'll serve her at court. But the rest of them socializing with the ton? She asks if he knows the men are allowed at White's now. She knows they have money, but that doesn't make them the same. Violet pops up and asks her father if the king didn't give them titles and land. He confirms that the king did. Violet says the king gave their family a title and land, so it seems the same to her. All the families in the ton got their titles and land from the king. Vivian says it's not the same, but Violet thinks it is. And the men are gentleman as her father says gentlemen are well-educated men of good families. Lord Danbury attended Eton with the king's father. Lord Smythe-Smith and Lord Cummings were at Harrow. And they all went to Oxford with Lord Ledger. So they're exactly like them. Better in some cases, as some are from royal families of their own and have more money than they do. Vivian orders Violet to stop talking and wonders what Violet's governess has been teaching her. Violet says Latin, but she wants to request advanced mathematics. Vivian sighs and leaves. Violet and her father wish each other a Happy Coronation Day.

*Queen Charlotte calls for the tree to have more color as footmen decorate. Brimsley says the queen has requested more color. He enjoys the tradition. Queen Charlotte hears her daughters laughing and asks what it's about. Princess Augusta says Princess Sophia finished the bedspread for the dollhouse and it's an exact match for the one at Kew. Queen Charlotte asks if them if they can marry a dollhouse. She knows they're old and their wombs are likely dry and useless. She'll leave them be, but they could try. She says they should style themselves and a man might wander onto the grounds. She still doesn't think the tree has enough color.*

Lord Danbury doesn't understand why he can't attend and Lady Danbury reminds him it's a ladies' tea. She supposes she and Princess Augusta are friends now. Lady Danbury asks her to declare that she wants to host the first ball of the season to get her support. She says that's not what tea is for. He says perhaps she should stay home with him instead. She promises to address the topic at tea.

Lady Danbury tells Princess Augusta that the queen is confiding in her. She and the king are happy together and enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon. The coronation has drawn them closer.

The coronation begins. The crown is placed on King George's head and another on Queen Charlotte's head.

The king and queen are presented to their people and share a kiss.

Queen Charlotte quietly tells Brimsley to clear the halls as they return home.

Once the doors are closed, King George and Queen Charlotte drop hands and Queen Charlotte has Brimsley take her crown off while Reynolds removes King George's. They go their separate ways.

Queen Charlotte vents to Lady Danbury about King George.

Lady Danbury tells Princess Augusta that the king and queen are very happy. Princess Augusta asks if Lady Danbury has spoken to Queen Charlotte about an heir. She says she has.

Lady Danbury says Queen Charlotte will survive this as long as she focuses on producing a child. She says all they do is try to fill her womb with a baby.

The king and queen go their separate ways, as do Brimsley and Reynolds. Brimsley clears his throat and Queen Charlotte realizes it's an even day. King George says they don't have to stick to every even day and they keep walking until Reynolds clears his throat. They remember they agreed to even days. The sooner she's with child, the sooner they can stop. Their duty will be done and she'll no longer have to see his face. Queen Charlotte goes with King George.

Lady Danbury knows the act can be awful. Queen Charlotte agrees that it's awful.

Queen Charlotte and King George kiss passionately. King George gets on his knees to pleasure Queen Charlotte. Then he picks her up and puts her on a table, where they have sex.

Queen Charlotte says it's a nightmare. She hates everything about King George.

Queen Charlotte and King George eat together in silence. She asks him not to breathe so loudly. He asks her not to talk, but she says she'll talk if she pleases. He says she's been behaving like a child since he arrived. King George stands up, walks over to Queen Charlotte, tips her head back, leans in, and asks her if he should leave. She says yes. He starts to talk away, but she grabs his hand and they start kissing. He says it's an even day and she agrees. Their kisses grow more passionate and Brimsley and Reynolds clear the room for them.

Outside the room, Reynolds and Brimsley agree the day has been heated. Reynolds asks if Brimsley would allow him to cool down in his chambers later and Brimsley says he might. They hear dishes clattering inside the room.

Queen Charlotte comes in while King George is taking a bath. She says it's an even day. He tells Reynolds to get out as Queen Charlotte climbs into the tub with him, still partially dressed, and they have sex.

Brimsley says now that the honeymoon has ended, she has a full schedule. She can also choose some charitable acts. She wants to do something for poor mothers in the hospital. She goes to pick her own orange and is again not allowed. Brimsley says she'll meet her ladies-in-waiting tomorrow. She tells him she'll get her own oranges from now on. It's ridiculous to make someone else pick her oranges. She asks about formal engagements like balls and dinners. How often is she expected to host palace events? Brimsley tells her the king doesn't allow social events of any kind at the palace. He also doesn't socialize outside the palace. She asks why, but Brimsley doesn't know. It's been that way for a time. Queen Charlotte doesn't understand why. Brimsley says it might have something to do with the doctor, but claims he misspoke when Queen Charlotte asks what doctor. She dismisses everyone else and asks him again.

Reynolds gets dressed and reminds Brimsley he agreed to see nothing. Brimsley asks how ill he is and Reynolds but won't say why he needed a doctor. Queen Charlotte is his wife and should know. Reynolds says there's nothing to know and leaves.

King George and Queen Charlotte recover after having sex. She asks him if he's not well. She knows he saw a doctor in the cellar. He says the crown must be examined on Coronation Day, but she doesn't understand why they wouldn't examine her as well since they're all about her making a baby. The cellar feels like a secret, but he says that's just where the examination room is. If that's what he says, that's what she must believe. She goes off to bed because she wants to be well-rested to meet her ladies-in-waiting tomorrow.

Princess Augusta asks if Queen Charlotte is showing any signs of being with child. Lady Danbury hasn't noticed any signs. Princess Augusta asks her to keep watchin because there's pressure on it. Lady Danbury asks if the pressure is from Lord Bute. Princess Augusta says it's not her concern, but confirms it is Lord Bute. They need a royal baby. A baby will seal the Great Experiment. It can't fail. Lady Danbury suggests that a ball might help. She and Lord Danbury would like to throw the first ball of the season. Princess Augusta says that won't be accepted. Lady Danbury says it would be difficult for her to know if the queen was with child if their teas don't continue. Princess Augusta promises to take it up with Lord Bute.

Lord Danbury thrusts into a bored Lady Danbury. He finishes and asks if Princess Augusta said when she'd let her know about the ball. She says no and the princess wasn't enthusiastic. He doesn't believe there will be a ball. She tells him he's every bit as good as they are as reassurance.

Coral asks if it was a particularly awful round. Lady Danbury says no, as it gave her some planning time. She says they need to prepare to host a ball. Coral is surprised and asks if the dowager princess has approved. Lady Danbury says she hasn't, which is why Lady Danbury needs to send out invitations before the princess does.

*Lady Danbury finds Violet Bridgerton lighting a candle at the church. Violet says today would have been Edmund's birthday. He liked his birthday and liked to celebrate. She used to make him paper birthday hats, like her father made for her as a child. No one had done it for him, so she did it. She gave him childish birthdays and it made him so happy. He would wear the hats for the entire day. She doesn't like today. It reminds her that there are no hats to make. Lady Danbury says Violet is fortunate. She may not like today, but she is fortunate. Lady Danbury leaves.*

Vivian comes in and tells Lord Ledger and Violet that the Danburys are hosting the first ball of the season. She's horrified. Violet asks if she can go and Vivian says no. She's not out and even if she were, she couldn't go because they're not going to that home for any reason. It's enough to see her at court. She walks out.

Queen Charlotte listens to a pianist. When he finishes, she applauds and her ladies-in-waiting start applauding as well. She asks him to play another and he does. Vivian quietly asks the lady next to her where a child named Mozart could be from and questions the queen's taste. Lady Danbury says the queen has an excellent musical ear. The other ladies agree. Lady Danbury asks where Queen Charlotte discovered young Mozart. Queen Charlotte doesn't answer and goes to look out the window, where King George is returning home. Vivian says she received Lady Danbury's invitation, but will have to miss it. The others will as well.

King George returns to his bedchamber to find Queen Charlotte waiting for him. He says it's not an even day, which she knows. She asks why he won't go out or hold court. He's not like any king she's ever known. He says he spends his days farming. He likes to farm. Queen Charlotte leaves.

Queen Charlotte asks if there are medicinal herbs in the garden and Brimsley says no, that it's just vegetables.

Lord Bute questions Princess Augusta over Lady Danbury sending out invitations. Princess Augusta says she has it handled. Lord Bute says the ton will not attend. Lord Ledger's wife is leading a charge of the wives to yell at their husbands over it. Parliament is in an uproar. Earl Harcourt says maybe she can withdraw the invitations. Princess Augusta can't ask her to do that as she won't like it. Lord Bute says it sounds like Lady Danbury has the upper hand now. Princess Augusta objects to that and says she can't be seen as choosing sides. For the sake of the Great Experiment, the Palace must remain steady in uniting society. Lord Bute says if Lady Danbury throws a ball and their side doesn't attend, the Palace will lose all authority and the Great Experiment will be in ruins. He wants her to have Lady Danbury cancel the ball.

Brimsley announces Lady Danbury's arrival. Queen Charlotte says they're not meeting until after lunch, but Lady Danbury wanted to talk to her about the ball she's hosting. Lady Danbury knows Queen Charlotte won't attend as the king doesn't attend social engagements. Queen Charlotte knows that's odd and asks if Lady Danbury knows why he doesn't. She says she doesn't. Lady Danbury wants Queen Charlotte to encourage the other ladies-in-waiting to attend. Queen Charlotte doesn't understand the issue if Lady Danbury has invited them. Before Lady Danbury can explain, Queen Charlotte spots King Geroge walking back. It appears he actually has been gardening. She wonders why he would do that. They have people for that. She thought it was a ruse, but he goes to the garden every day. Lady Danbury finally interjects and says Princess Augusta has asked her to cancel the ball. She explains that if Queen Charlotte were not the queen, her life in England would be much different. She's the first of her kind. It opened doors for them. Lady Danbury has told Queen Charlotte to endure and consummate for a reason. She's their queen. Her focus should be her country, her people, their side. She holds their fates in her hands. Lady Danbury leaves.

Queen Charlotte picks an orange and shows it off to Brimsley. She asks where the men who serve the orangery are. Brimsley says they were dismissed as they were not needed. She didn't realize that's what would happen when she insisted on picking her own oranges.

Queen Charlotte looks at herself in the mirror and rubs her belly.

Queen Charlotte goes to see the king as it's an even day. Reynolds tells her the king's inside, then goes to stand next to Brimsley. Brimsley reaches his hand toward Reynolds, but Reynolds pulls away. Then a moment later, he puts his hand back down and brushes Brimsley's.

After they have finished, King George tells Queen Charlotte he'll see her the day after tomorrow. She tells him she understands living for the happiness and misery of a great nation. It's exhausting and lonely. It's no wonder he spends so much time in his garden. He says in his garden, he's a regular man. He says no to feel sorry for him as he knows nothing else. He's always been an exhibit instead of a person. She says he's a person to her. He can be a person with her. She leans in and kisses him. She doesn't want even days and odd days anymore. They shall just have days. He asks what brought this on. She says she picked her own orange. She knows he doesn't owe her anything and he doesn't like to do social events, but she needs him to do something.

Lady Danbury's staff prepares for her ball. Coral finally tells Lady Danbury she's done everything and needs to get dressed now.

Lady Danbury comes downstairs dressed for the ball. Lord Danbury asks how his coat is and if he should have a different handkerchief. She tells him he looks perfect. He wonders why no one has arrived. He's worried no one will. She assures him people will come. The doors open and a footman announces the arrival of Lord and Lady Ledger. Lady Danbury didn't think they were coming, but Lady Ledger says they wouldn't miss it. Lord Danbury leads Lady Ledger in while Lord Ledger privately tells Lady Danbury she tried to miss the ball, but then she received a personal note from the king and decided she couldn't miss an event the king was planning to attend. It's the social event of the season. He congratulates Lady Danbury and says he likes her and would like for them to be friends. When Lord Danbury returns, Lord Ledger asks when he'll join one of Lord Ledger's hunts. The footman announces the arrival of Princess Augusta, who enters with Lord Bute and Earl Harcourt. The Danburys greet her.

People dance at the ball, but Lady Danbury notices the two sides aren't mingling. The footman announces the king and queen's arrival. Everyone bows as they enter. King George thanks Lady and Lord Danbury for having him. Then he and Queen Charlotte go to dance. After a few moments with everyone watching, Lord Ledger goes to Lord Danbury and asks if he can dance with Lady Danbury. Once they're dancing, other couples start to pair off, finally mixing the two sides. Princess Augusta observes that King George is happy like she's never seen him before.

Queen Charlotte thanks King George, who says she never has to thank him for anything. They're a team.

The Danburys celebrate a successful ball as their final guests leave. Lord Danbury takes Lady Danbury to celebrate.

King George tells Queen Charlotte she was spectacular. He doesn't know if she realizes what she's done. With one party, they've stepped forward more than Britain has in the last century. With her by his side, he believes he can do anything. He says Queen Charlotte needs a dressing gown because they're going to find something to eat, then they're going back to his bedchamber. He carries her off with him.

Lord Danbury thrusts into Lady Danbury from behind. He suddenly stops. She asks if he's finished. He falls to the ground. She crawls over to see him lying on his back with his eyes open.

Lady Danbury goes to Coral and subtly tells her that Lord Danbury has died. They celebrate together. Coral asks if Lady Danbury is ready or if she wants to be dressed first. Lady Danbury thinks it would be better to dress her after. She goes back in and then starts crying and calling out for help. Coral plays along and sends for a doctor and Lord Danbury's valet. Then Coral goes in to check on the situation, holding everyone else outside. Lady Danbury cries out that her love is gone.

*Violet Bridgerton and Lady Danbury sit down for tea. Lady Danbury went to great lengths to ensure Violet came to tea, not accepting any excuses. Lady Danbury was surprised to see Violet in the church. Violet can see how it would surprise Lady Danbury to see a wife commemorating her beloved. Lady Danbury asks if Violet knows why Lady Danbury was at the church. She was there to discuss funding a school for orphan girls in Lord Danbury's name. Lord Danbury disdained orphans and found girls useful only for breeding. Violet loved and in her loving, she goes to church to seek solace and connection. Lady Danbury loathed and in her loathing, she's funding a school for orphan girls to see revenge and satisfaction. In her, Hermon rots. Violet's heart is full. Lady Danbury's starves. That's why she called Violet fortunate. Violet suggests they have something stronger than tea.*

*Queen Charlotte asks Brimsley why he supposes her daughters never married. He says he doesn't know. She pushes him, and he says her daughters are good girls who love her. She was so young when the king was disabled. If he had died, maybe she would have grieved and moved on, but instead, she's still* his *queen, forever waiting. Her daughters couldn't leave her trapped like that. Queen Charlotte sends Brimsley to the other side of the room and tells him not to look at her. Then she says the tree needs more gold.*

Queen Charlotte wakes to a mysterious sound. She gets out of bed to find King George frantically writing on a wall and muttering to himself. When he sees her, he gets up and walks out. She follows him outside, where he calls out to Venus.

Reynolds and Birmsley rush to action. Reynolds tells Brimsley to stand guard at the garden door. He has to keep everyone, even the servants, away.

King George continues to call out to Venus. Reynolds runs to him with a coat and tries to cover him. When he ignores Reynolds, Queen Charlotte steps in. She says she is Venus and gets him to come inside and covers him with the coat.

## Cast

### Main Cast

* India Amarteifio as Young Queen Charlotte
* Adjoa Andoh as Lady Agatha Danbury
* Michelle Fairley as Princess Augusta
* Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton
* Corey Mylchreest as King George III
* Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
* Arsema Thomas as Young Agatha Danbury
* Sam Clemmett as Young Brimsley
* Freddie Dennis as Reynolds
* Hugh Sachs as Brimsley
* Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown

### Guest Stars

* Connie Jenkins-Greig as Young Violet
* Katie Brayben as Vivian Ledger
* Cyril Nri as Lord Danbury
* Guy Henry as Doctor Monro
* Keir Charles as Lord Ledger
* Peyvand Sadeghian as Coral
* Eliza Capel as Princess Sophia
* Neil Edmond as Earl Harcourt
* Richard Cunningham as Lord Bute
* Kathryn Wilder as Miss Fernburst
* Matt Barkley as Danbury Butler
* Helen Coathup as Young Princess Augusta

## Music

* Lord Ledger joins with Lady Danbury.
* Other pairs join, mixing the two sides.