It's time for 'Bridgerton' to say gay

Fix It is a series examining projects we love and wish we could change.

Bridgerton's second season was rich with scandal and love. For all the pretty pleasures, there was one disappointment: there was no queer romance.

There are other historical fiction series that are centered on queer romance. Look at the lesbian love at the core of Dickinson or the gay relationship between the pirate captains in Our Flag Means Death. Bridgerton couldn't be next.

Anthony and Kate were lovely. Surely there was a chance to share some of the Regency romance with some of the queer characters? Benedict Bridgerton might have a coming-out storyline in Season 2 after a scene about a gay painter and his beard of a wife. This could-be queer storyline was the most interesting thing about a second son who was defined by a pretentious passion for painting. He was thrown into the bed of a female artist. It seemed like the show was naked to satisfy thirsty viewers who were left longing for the central straight romance. The character of Benedict was not developed by it.

The queer ship I have my heart setting sail on is called Peneloise.

In Season 3, Bridgerton should focus on the romance that could blossom between Penelope Featherton and Eloise Bridgerton. Bosom buddies since girlhood, the two young ladies have connected over their keen intellects, their shared frustration in being the little sister, and a deep respect for each other. For much of Season 2, we saw these girls cling together in parlor rooms and posh balls, their hands often intertwined, their laughter a recurring, charming chorus.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

Some of the standard steps of romantic drama have already been followed by Peneloise. Bridgerton displayed her own brand of chivalry when she said that she wanted to get the beguiling Eloise to join her mean girl gang.

For her part, Penelope has used her nom de plume of Lady Whistledown to impress her, at first dazzling her with a ruthless snark and sharing revulsion at the pretentiousness of their high society. Lady Whistledown's messaging grew as her interests grew beyond gossip to politics. Her next edition celebrated not just the beauty of the would-be wives of the ton, but also their candor and character.

Then came the moment of betrayal. It was the lie of omission about the Duke's issues with his children. Anthony and Kate kept their feelings a secret until catastrophe made it impossible. The Queen became convinced that the latter was the muckraking Lady Whistledown.

To save her, Penelope had to lie. She spilled the tea of Theo and their trysts. The season ended with two dear friends estranged and in tears. They can rebuild in Season 3, embracing not only their flaws, but also as lovers, because this can be the rock bottom from which they can rebuild.

Hear me out. Love is one of the greatest thrills of Bridgerton. No one in the ton would believe that the wallflower and the alleged wanton were in love. It might make the heart grow fonder. It's possible that Eloise will see that Penelope was trying to protect her, and that she'll use her pen to make up for it. By the end of the season, the two could find freedom and happiness in each other that their society could never offer. They could have been ahead of their time by forging the British version of the Boston Marriage, supported by the entrepreneurial writing and wealth of the family. Lady Bridgerton made a point of saying that she wants her to be happy. She would be an ally to her child.

Credit: Liam Daniel/Netflix

This is not how the maidens stories go in the book series. The television series has made a lot of changes. Who is saying that their fates are sealed because their would-be husbands have already been introduced as characters?

The show has already set up the opposite-sex crush. Many queer women have a crush on a boy in their youth. Some of us realize we are bi or pan later. Colin might be the nicest of the Bridgerton boys, but he is not as exciting as the other two. He was unable to keep up with them. I am not interested in the explanation for his snide comment about how he never courted Penelope. She deserves better than the little rich boy who thinks he is a hero for threatening to ruin her family.

Then there is Theo. Yes, she enjoyed her intellectual flirtation with this political rebel from the wrong side of town. Theo's invention for the show felt like a fascination, not a realistic romantic option for Eloise. He was very eager to drop her twice, and he seemed to be more amused by her than anything. There is a scene where she is mourning the loss of this supposed love interest, and there is a scene where she is shattered after she breaks off her relationship with Penelope. The former was just a bad night.

The whole of Peneloise's households could face off in season 3. It's a delicious romance trope that enemies to lovers is. I can imagine how they would confess their love for each other after many misunderstandings and missives, perhaps escaping the drama that would be the main focus of the Queen's. She would rush to say what she wanted to say. She would apologize and confess the contents of her heart.

After I deceived you in your search for Lady Whistledown, I know you can never forgive me.

In response, she put a gloved hand to her lips. She will hold her hand, just as she used to. I suppose I was not as clever as I thought, because you have always been here.

It could be perfect if you make it happen.

Bridgerton's first and second seasons are now available on the internet.