In Bridgerton season 3, part 1, a new member of the ton was introduced, Lady Tilley Arnold, and though she has become a new love interest for Benedict, Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books tell a different story about Benedict and his romantic future. In 2020, Netflix released the first seaon of Bridgerton, a period romance based on novels by Julia Quinn. The show and books both follow the eight Bridgerton siblings in Regency Era London as they spend each courting season among the ton, and become engrossed in local gossip while also falling in love.

As Bridgerton has only adapted three seasons to Netflix so far, there are many questions from viewers about the romantic fates of the other Bridgerton siblings. So far, Daphne has married Simon Bassett, Anthony has married Kate Sharma, and in Bridgerton season 3, Colin is finally realizing his feelings for Penelope Featherington. The other Bridgerton siblings and their romantic matches remain in mystery. However, by reading Julia Quinn’s novels, it is easy to see who ends up with whom, and more than that, what the television series changes about the original source material, such as Lady Tilley Arnold.

Lady Tilley Arnold Does Not Exist In The Bridgerton Books

Tilley Arnold was added to Netflix’s Bridgerton

Although Lady Tilley Arnold is an exciting addition to Bridgerton season 3, it turns out she doesn’t exist in the Bridgerton books. Played by Black Sails’ Hannah New, Lady Arnold is a widow who Benedict meets while at the celebration of the hot air balloon. Benedict makes a bad joke to Tilley, which sparks their bond. In just two episodes, it becomes clear that Tilley is an independent and sassy woman who hides a potentially dark past. Benedict quickly becomes enamored with her, and it seems likely that their relationship will heat up in Bridgerton season 3, part 2.

Lady Tilley Arnold may seem like a strong candidate for Benedict’s soulmate, but her lack of existence in Julia Quinn’s novels hints that that likely isn’t the case.

Tilley is not a character that Julia Quinn wrote, and therefore, was created by Shonda Rhimes and the Bridgerton team specifically for season 3. It seems likely that Tilley was created to flesh out Benedict’s storyline in season 3, as his story was supposed to be next on the docket, before Colin and Penelope. In this way, Tilley is most likely a romantic distraction before his true romantic storyline comes into play.

Who Benedict Bridgerton Marries In The Books

Benedict marries Sophie Beckett

Ultimately, it is not Lady Tilley Arnold that Benedict marries, but a woman named Sophie Beckett. Sophie has a very Cinderella-esque story, wherein her stepmother and stepsisters treat her poorly, and due to her father’s death, is forced into being a housemaid for her family. Sophie and Benedict meet at a ball hosted by the Bridgertons where she hides her identity, therefore Benedict cannot reunite with her for a long time. That is, until Sophie becomes a housemaid at the Bridgerton household. Ultimately, this is where their romance begins and ends. Benedict and Sophie get married and have four children.

With Bridgerton season 3 halfway released, rumors are now flying about which Bridgerton sibling will be the star of Bridgerton season 4. Benedict is definitely a popular candidate. Over the last three seasons, Benedict has provided great comedic relief, but his character has yet to face anything too serious. Plus, as the second eldest, it’s suspicious that Benedict hasn’t married yet. In this way, hopes are high that Benedict will lead the next season of Bridgerton. It will certainly be interesting to see what the other Bridgertons get up to during Benedict’s season as well.

Will Bridgerton Stick To Benedict’s Book Story?

Netflix often makes changes to Julia Quinn’s books

Although Benedict’s story can be gleaned from reading Julia Quinn’s “An Offer from a Gentleman,” there is still no telling how Netflix will choose to adapt this story. In the past, Shonda Rhimes has been known to add her own flair to the Bridgerton stories, and as evidenced by Lady Tilley Arnold, she is not afraid to add or take away from the original story. In this way, Benedict’s story may not go entirely as planned. For one thing, Benedict and Tilley will have to reach some sort of conclusion before his season. Along with that, Benedict must meet Sophie.

In the end, there is no telling where Bridgerton will go next. Although there is source material to reference via Julia Quinn’s books, the streaming service loves to modify things to their liking, leaving audiences shrouded in mystery. In some ways, this is a good thing. Bridgerton is much more exciting when viewers are kept on their toes. Hopefully, this can be true when it is finally Benedict’s time to shine.