The following recap, by the very definition of the word “recap”, contains spoilers for all Bridgerton Season 1.
The title of the eighth and final episode of Bridgerton The first season, “After the Rain”, couldn’t be more suitable. With the relationship between our favorite Married lovebirds, Daphne and Simon, feeling so stormy, only a perfectly synchronized act of nature could wash away the sadness.
The installment begins with Lady Whistledown declaring the end of the social season, observing the shocking decision of an almost memorable noble couple to court, marry and move quickly. This is juxtaposed with the Duke and Duchess of Hastings sitting acrimoniously for a portrait painted by the secretly polyamorous Henry Granville. Simon and Daphne briefly discuss their plans for the next dance while posing for the painting, but they don’t bother to touch or look at each other until Henry asks them to do it for the portrait. The couple obeys and, for almost a minute, Simon and Daphne realize that they are still in love. But the moment is fleeting, and as soon as Henry comments on the expression of devotion in his eyes, Daphne and Simon quickly return to despondency.
At the Bridgerton residence, Eloise pressures Benedict to inquire about Madame Delacroix because she thinks the seamstress is none other than Lady Whistledown. Ben shoots Eloise’s questions just in time to receive news that 
Francesca will be returning home from Bath. Who is Francesca, you may ask? She is the third oldest Bridgerton sister that the writers probably sent so that we could focus better on Daphne and Eloise. Shrug. Maybe Fran has more to do in season two.
Later that day, Daphne and her mother, Viscountess Violet, buy flowers. Daphne explains to Violet why she is having a hard time forgiving Simon, but is unable to discuss the matter any further because Portia Featherington interrupts the conversation to beg her to join the guest list for Hastings’ ball. Violet rejects Portia, but Daphne is more merciful and agrees to forgive the Featheringtons so they can attend. Before Portia can celebrate, she finds out that Phillip Crane is at her house to inform Marina that George, her brother and her boyfriend, died in battle. Marina, in tears, tells Daphne that she regrets doubting George’s love for her. But Phillip is not finished. He also offers to marry Marina, but she refuses him because she thinks she is no longer pregnant.
In addition to the wildness of Featherington, the player in the degenerate family of a patriarch decides to fix a boxing match and use his home as collateral. Simon’s friend Will helps to solve the problem and gets his share. And while the Baron quickly collects and disperses his new wealth, the brokers realize what he has done and eventually take his life. The Featherington girls get new dresses for Hastings’ ball, but unfortunately they return home and discover that they have no father or a penny. That’s when Marina, who is still pregnant, decides to marry Phillip and get out of her fighting cousins.
The boxing match is also significant because Simon punishes Will for taking a dip and Will tells Simon to focus on his own life and marriage. Burn! Meanwhile, Daphne finds Simon’s letters to her father and finally understands her husband’s grudge. And an ever loving Anthony and Siena stay in the game under the stands and again at their home. Anthony is so caught up in his post-coital happiness that he invites Siena to be his date at Hastings’ ball. At first, Siena agrees, but later, when Anthony comes to catch Siena looking like a slightly paler Prince in Purple Rain, she is back with her other boo. Having heartbroken for Anthony before, Siena tells her pompous lover to let her go because she has to protect herself from him and his wealthy world.
The only relationship that really matters is Daphne and Simon. After a pleasant breakfast together, the couple will welcome Francesca back to the Bridgertons’ home. While there, Simon charms Gregory and Hyacinth and gives Daphne hope that Simon likes children. We also heard Colin sing, cementing any and all comparisons to Kevin Jonas. At Hastings’ ball, Simon confirms that he likes children, but still doesn’t want children. Penelope tries to tell Colin that she loves him, but before she can, he breaks his heart and tells her that he is going to travel and study. Eloise finds out that the Queen (adorned with another impressive wig) plans to expose Lady Whistledown and runs to warn her, whoever she is. Well, it turns out it’s Penelope (!!!) but Eloise doesn’t see her face. Although Julia Quinn does not reveal Lady Whistledown’s identity until the fourth book, the Netflix series moves significantly faster.
Back at the Hastings’ estate, Simon and Daphne dance to what they think is their final waltz and fall deeply in love again. And the look of ecstasy captured on the spectator faces of Queen Charlotte and Ladies Danbury and Bridgerton upon seeing Daphne and Simon’s renewed affection is nothing short of perfection. It starts to rain and everyone cleans the floor, except the Bassês, who finally talk and understand each other. Lady Danbury blocks the dance floor with her cane and sends everyone home. Daphne tells Simon that he found the letters for his father. The two reconnect – with and without clothes – and decide to be together. Flashforward, at least nine months later, and a happy, pregnant Daphne gives birth to a son. Simon says the boy’s name will start with an “A”, to honor the Bridgerton tradition. Huzzah!