tired but stubborn little heart.

MY COTTAGE is the only place where we see Benedict and Sophie happy together during the day (reality). Arriving at night, Benedict offers Sophie the guest room, establishing them as "equals" despite being a gentleman and a maid. In the morning, however, the Crabtrees' arrive to act as chaperones. At breakfast, and during Sophie's garden stroll, Benedict and Sophie are kept apart, emotionally and physically, by reality.

A turning point occurs in BENEDICT'S STUDY at night, as they open up to each other as Benedict and Sophie for the first time. Next, the kite scene, the thesis of Benedict and Sophie's relationship (she grounds him, he encourages her to fly), is the the first time we see them together in daylight, happy, alone, with nothing in their way. The lake scene follows; Sophie switches into a silver dress, a nod to the fantasy of the Lady in Silver in the reality of daylight.

But that night, Mrs. Crabtree advises Benedict to stay away from Sophie, reality encroaching on fantasy's time of day. Returning to the study, it's day instead of night, and instead of focusing on her lips, Benedict tells Sophie he regrets their kiss. Leaving in the morning, Sophie reminds herself and Benedict that it's not "her place" to give him a route to London.

In LONDON, Benedict and Sophie only ever interact during the day when they're "fighting" or "broken up." It's only after nightfall that they may retreat to their fantasy, where they can be alone together (episode 4), confess their love (episode 5), or make plans for the future (episode 6). But then, just like Mrs. Crabtree, Anthony confronts Benedict at night with a reality check, and the fantasy of their life together cannot be sustained.

After their breakup and throughout episode 7, Benedict and Sophie only ever see each other in the harsh reality of day, and only almost meet at dusk — the transition between day to night, where fantasy meets reality — when Benedict returns to BRIDGERTON HOUSE to propose, but it's too late!

In episode 8, Benedict and Sophie reunite in court during the day, but can't properly resolve their miscommunication until nightfall. Sophie sneaks into Penwood House during the day, but is also barred from returning to Benedict until night, at which point he tells her about Mrs. Mondrich's call and their plan to spin the fantasy of "Sophie Gun."

Again and again, reality keeps them apart during the day, and fantasy brings them together at night.

Day always gives way to night, but night always gives way to day. Benedict and Sophie are always drawn to each other, just as they're always being pulled apart.

On and on and on, the cycle goes.