Bridgerton's most underrated character just gained a powerful position in season 4

Bridgerton season 4 has finally arrived. Well, part of it at least. The first four episodes are now streaming on Netflix, and as expected, it's all everyone can talk about. This season, the focus shifts from Colin and Penelope’s love story to Benedict Bridgerton’s own journey through love.

After meeting the clever and enigmatic Sophie Baek at his mother's dazzling masquerade ball, Benedict finds himself drawn into a romance that challenges his free-spirited nature and forces him to confront his own fears about commitment.

Alongside this central storyline, the season also explores several side plots. One of those side stories centers around Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and the show's most underrated character, who find themselves given a position of real influence by the Queen herself.

Spoilers are ahead from Bridgerton season 4 part 1!

Alice Mondrich is given the position of Queen Charlotte’s lady‑in‑waiting

It's true! Alice Mondrich is given the opportunity to join the Queen's court as her lady‑in‑waiting, and it's all because of Lady Danbury. In the first episode of Bridgerton season 4, Lady Danbury has a conversation with Queen Charlotte at Lady Bridgerton’s masquerade ball. She explains that she intends to take a step back from her obligations this social season, expressing a desire to travel, visit her ancestral home, and enjoy some much-needed personal time.

However, Queen Charlotte rejects her request with little hesitation. This leads to tension between the two, especially after Lady Danbury attempts to speak to her again about the matter. Queen Charlotte just brushes her off, though. During that second attempt is when Queen Charlotte lets go one of her ladies-in-waiting. But Lady Danbury doesn't think much of it at the time.

It's not until she has a conversation with Alice about her problem with the Queen that everything clicks. Realizing Queen Charlotte now has an open position at court, Lady Danbury sees the perfect solution. She believes that if Alice becomes Queen Charlotte's new lady-in-waiting, then she can satisfy the Queen’s need for a trusted companion while finally freeing herself from her own duties.

Lady Danbury basically throws Alice under the bus, volunteering her for the role of lady-in-waiting without warning. She presents Alice in front of the Queen under the pretense of discussing another matter entirely before the Queen offers her the position. This blindsides Alice completely, and she confronts Lady Danbury about it later.

During their conversation, Alice remains against the idea. That's until Lady Danbury tells her how good the position would be for her. While we never get to see Alice actually accept the position or even say that she's interested, it's clear from her face that Lady Danbury has won her over.

With Bridgerton season 4 part 2 coming out on Feb. 26, it seems likely that we’ll see Alice step fully into her new role at Queen Charlotte’s court. But what does this mean for Lady Danbury? Will we see less of her in the hit period drama going forward? We'll just have to tune in to part 2 on Netflix to find out!