The Bridgerton cast - and author Julia Quinn - have tried to explain Benedict's shocking mistress offer to Sophie after the season 4 scene led to fan outrage. Those who read Quinn's book An Offer From a Gentleman already knew that when season 4 premiered in January 2026, Benedict's (Luke Thompson) interest in a mysterious woman dubbed the Lady in Silver would create obstacles for him amid a growing attraction to housemaid Sophie (Yerin Ha). Despite the fact that Sophie is the Lady in Silver, her social class prevented Benedict from properly courting her.