What Eloise really means by ‘on the shelf’ in Bridgerton season 4

Bridgerton season 4 is finally streaming on Netflix. Well, at least the first half is. In these brand-new episodes, viewers get to watch the beginning of Benedict and Sophie's love story unfold. But their love story isn’t the only storyline that's going to draw you in this season.

Besides Francesca and John navigating the early days of their marriage, viewers also get to see Eloise grappling with her own choices about love, independence, and her place in society. While this isn't anything we haven't seen before with Eloise, Bridgerton season 4 digs a little deeper into her personal journey. In fact, in the first four episodes of the season, Eloise seems to have really decided on what she wants for her future regarding her love life.

Spoilers are ahead from Bridgerton season 4 part 1.

In a discussion with Penelope at Lady Bridgerton's masquerade ball in the first episode, Eloise tells her closest friend that she's put herself "on the shelf." She brings this up after Penelope expresses her confusion about seeing her chatting it up with debutantes at the ball. Eloise has done this at past balls, but it was more to antagonize them and please her mother.

Now, things are different. After spending the summer in Scotland with Francesca and John, Eloise tells Penelope that she had time to reflect on what she truly wants. She tells her that she no longer feels the need to bother debutantes or suitors because she's made a decision. She's decided to put herself "on the shelf." While the show never explicitly explains what "on the shelf" means, it didn't take long to figure it out after watching the rest of the first half of the season and a quick Google search.

But perhaps you didn't quite grasp the full meaning. No worries! We're about to break it down right now. First, "on the shelf" is essentially a Regency-era phrase. According to Dictionary.com, the phrase means "without prospects of marriage." Eloise hasn't had any immediate intentions to marry, nor has she had any potential suitors. When Elose used this phrase, she meant that she no longer intends to actively pursue romance or entertain the pressures of high society’s matchmaking. Regarding her love life, she's chosen to remain single and unmarried.

However, we see later in the first half of the season that carrying out this plan isn't easy. At first, Lady Bridgerton is adamant about getting Eloise hitched. That's until Benedict speaks to their mother and gets her off of Eloise's back.

While Eloise is able to stick with her plan for Bridgerton season 4 part 1, it'll be interesting to see if things change in the second and final part. We all know that Eloise eventually falls in love and marries Sir Phillip Crane. That's what happens in the books. Maybe Bridgerton season 4 part 2 will finally bring Phillip back to set up Eloise's upcoming season. We'll just have to wait and see!