Does Anything Become of the Chemistry Between Violet and Marcus in 'Bridgerton' Season 3?

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for Season 3, Part 1 of Bridgerton.

Season 3 of Bridgerton delivers the long-awaited love match between Colin (Luke Newton) and Penelope (Nicola Coughlan), but also stirs some confusion among a dashing new character and the Dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell). Although this unfamiliar face isn’t a fresh one to the ton, he seems to captivate the attention of Miss Violet Bridgerton.

Up until now, Violet has shown no interest in another man since her husband, Viscount Edmund Bridgerton, died at the age of 39 from an allergic reaction to a bee sting. However, we can’t help but notice the chemistry and commonalities between this mystery man, who is later introduced as Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), aka Lady Danbury’s (Adjoa Andoh) brother, and the Dowager. So, do they end up together?

Violet and Marcus don't end up together in Season 3, Part 1, but that’s not to say Shonda Rhimes doesn’t allow them to have a little fun in Part 2 (or even give marriage another go-round). Violet clearly seems drawn to Marcus (can you blame her?) and they seem to somewhat bond over a shared experience: both have lost their significant other.

But unlike Violet, Marcus admits he wasn’t in love with his spouse when the match was made. Marcus does mention he grew fond of her over time. And now that a lack of society and ladies has drawn him back to London, he’s ready for his second act, with love that is.

While Marcus and Violet's fate remains uncertain in the series, the novels suggest she never truly moves on from Edmond. Violet's tale, Violet in Bloom, featured in The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, unveils bits and pieces of her love story. Although her ending may not be as blissful as Daphne and Anthony's, she savored every moment of her chance at true love.

As viewers eagerly speculate about Marcus and Violet's relationship, various theories have emerged. Some of the theories are more outrageous than others. On Reddit, while many are rooting for Violet's happy ending, user Piggy9896 tossed around another theory: Marcus might be Violet's half-brother. If Shonda wished to intensify the drama of the already gripping series, this twist could certainly do that.

In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, we witness Lady Danbury and Lord Ledger, Violet’s father, get intimate while Agatha navigates life as a bereaved woman. Given Violet’s young age during this period, it suggests Marcus is significantly younger than her, which aligns with his youthful (not young!) appearance in the show.

Perhaps Part 2 holds all the answers viewers crave.

Stream Season 1 and 2 of Bridgerton on Netflix now. Catch Season 3, Part 1 airing on May 16, 2024, and Part 2 on June 13, 2024.