What did Sophie say to Benedict in French at the cottage? (Bridgerton subtitles fail fans)

As with every season of Bridgerton, heading into the new season, book fans were eager to see how the writers would adapt some of the most iconic moments from An Offer from a Gentleman in telling Benedict and Sophie’s story. 

Among the scenes at the top of many fans’ lists was the couple’s time at My Cottage, Benedict’s previously unseen country estate where many iconic moments from the book take place. This includes the beloved lake scene, which was brilliantly adapted in the third episode of the season during the pair’s time at My Cottage. 

The scene is a true highlight of the first part of the season, but before the infamous lake scene occurs, the pair share many equally incredible moments. Among the sweet moments the pair share is a sweet scene that takes place in Benedict’s study when the pair bump into each other unexpectedly. 

Sophie manages to surprise Benedict in more than a few ways, including her ability to speak French. The realization comes up when Sophie grabs a random book from his bookshelf, prompting Benedict to point out that she had grabbed his French grammar book. Sophie then responds back in French to prove her knowledge, leading to a quick exchange between the two spoken in French. Interestingly enough, Netflix does not provide fans with subtitles for the pair’s French exchange, keeping the audience in the dark as the conversation unfolds. 

Here’s what Sophie and Benedict said to one another in French in the cottage library scene

So what exactly did Sophie and Benedict say to one another while speaking French in their conversation in Benedict’s study? Curious to know what the pair were saying to one another while speaking French, we’ve translated the conversation which, it turns out, was about Benedict making a false assumption over Sophie’s skills. 

Benedict: That is my French grammar book.

Sophie: And you assume I don't know how to speak French? I spoke for a longer time.

Benedict: Ah, Raymund. We can speak French if you prefer?

Sophie: [Laughs]

Benedict: My pronunciation is exquisite. What is wrong with my pronunciation?

Sophie: It will be better if you keep your jaw perfectly still and rely on your lips.

Benedict: I do not even know how that would — 

Sophie: Here. Focus on the lips. 

Benedict: If you prefer?

Sophie: Look at me, if you prefer.

The pair begin to lean into each other, nearly kissing, before Mr. Crawford enters the room to inform Benedict that Mrs. Crawford is preparing his dinner and will expect to find him in his bed resting. The moment having passed, Sophie quickly excuses herself as she wishes Benedict goodnight before returning to her quarters for the night. 

In the grand scheme of things, the conversation did not carry weight to the main story which is likely why Netflix did not add in French subtitles. Still, it would have been nice for the show to add subtitles for the viewers who do not speak French, to help provide full context for the conversation shared between Benedict and Sophie. 

Bridgerton season 4 is streaming now on Netflix.

Author Disclaimer: An audio translator was used to assist in the translation of Sophie and Benedict’s French conversation in Bridgerton season 4, episode 3.