Author Julia Quinn nearly killed off a massively important character in the Bridgerton series until she was told they must live on. Based on Quinn’s best-selling book series, the Netflix show has captivated millions of viewers, breaking records with both its season 1 and season 2 premieres, and has already spawned a spin-off series featuring several of the show’s most popular supporting characters. However, Quinn nearly killed off one of those characters while writing her fourth book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.
Set in Regency-era England, Bridgerton blends history, romance, and mystery as each season focuses on the love match of another Bridgerton—with the fourth season expected to be the story of Colin Bridgerton and the pining Penelope. While the Bridgerton clan may be the namesake of both the book and the television series, they are certainly not the only draw to the immensely popular show. Netflix has recently announced a prequel series that will tell the story of the early years of Queen Charlotte (a character featured solely in the television series) and will further explore the history of two supporting characters from Quinn’s novels: Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury.
It seems Lady Danbury’s potential in Bridgerton was seen by Netflix alone, however, as the show magnifies the character in both Bridgerton seasons 1 and 2 far beyond the brief appearances of the character in Quinn’s The Duke and I and The Viscount Who Loved Me. In fact, Quinn nearly killed off the beloved character in her fourth book, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. It was only after Quinn’s editor voiced her dissent at the idea that the equally formidable and lovable Lady Danbury was saved, a decision Quinn reveals led to Lady Danbury becoming her favorite of all the Bridgerton characters.
While offering insights and behind-the-scenes details about her fourth book about Penelope and Colin, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Julia Quinn writes, “I almost killed off Lady Danbury in this book. My editor said, 'Noooooooooo!' and thank heavens I listened.” The author then commented further in an interview with E! News saying that Lady Danbury’s death was originally intended as a dramatic turning point in the story of Bridgerton’s “Ton,” but that she is now glad she saved the character “because she is hands down my favorite character to write.”
Netflix’s upcoming limited prequel series will bring viewers even more Lady Danbury, and while little is known about the plot, the early years of the friendship between Queen Charlotte, Lady Bridgerton, and Lady Danbury is already a confirmed element of the show. Interestingly, it is unclear if Quinn will be writing her favorite character for the Queen Charlotte spin-off, as Bridgerton executive producer Shonda Rhimes is currently the only series writer known. Even if the best-selling author is not involved in the spin-off, however, she says Lady Danbury’s character is one that “will live forever” for her, and Quinn goes on to hint that, if she were to pen a contemporary novel, Lady Danbury “would [be] reincarnated... We will never lose her" (via E! News). If Quinn were ever to embark upon that project, it seems safe to say she would have a great many supporters.
All episodes of Bridgerton are available on Netflix.