Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story features some new characters including Reynolds, but what happened to Brimsley’s lover in Bridgerton?
The Bridgerton prequel spin-off Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story introduces new characters, such as Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), who does not appear in the main series, leading to the question, what happened to Brimsley’s lover? Taking place over 50 years before Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte features younger versions of Bridgerton characters, including Brimsley (Sam Clemmett), Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), and Violet Bridgerton née Ledger (Connie Jenkins-Greig). Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George III’s (Corey Mylchreest) tragic romance is at the heart of the series, as George’s declining health and Charlotte’s distaste for her duties make for a gripping story.
The royals’ respective attendants, Brimsley and Reynolds, are closely involved with hiding the couples’ secrets. This proximity leads the two to begin a secret relationship. Their love for each other is passionate and illegal. Furthermore, the rules of their stations mean they can never pursue a lasting loving relationship, and the end of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story shows them dancing together before an edit dissolves into Brimsley dancing alone. With the older Brimsley (Hugh Sachs) appearing in Bridgerton without Reynolds, it begs the question of what happened to him. The actors and showrunner Shonda Rhimes have hinted at Reynolds’ fate.
Brimsley Actor Explains Reynolds’ Fate In A Deleted Queen Charlotte Scene
Older Brimsley actor Hugh Sachs revealed in an interview with Vulture that there was a deleted scene that would have given a look into Reynolds’ future. The scene would have involved Brimsley meeting an older Reynolds, years after Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Their lives would have gone in different directions, but they would have retained some of the love they once shared. As such, this wouldn’t be a painful meeting; it would be a chance for the two now older and wiser men to muse on a life that would most likely never have been possible in that era.
The scene itself was never filmed, having been cut, but it would have been an easy moment to insert into any episode of Queen Charlotte and could very well make its way back to the show. Sachs’ answer — “it was just not possible” — indicates the two most likely left each other because of their roles in society rather than falling out of love. Reynolds and Brimsley could reminisce fondly on the time they spent together, even if it was only for a brief period.
Shonda Rhimes Confirms Reynolds Isn’t Dead
Series creator Shonda Rhimes said she wants eight seasons of Bridgerton, which opens the door for Reynolds to come back, especially because Rhimes confirmed he’s not dead (via Netflix). Regarding Reynolds, Rhimes went on to say, “There’s a lot more I could write about that.” Whether that’s the deleted scene Sachs was referring to or a whole different idea is unknown. However, with more Bridgerton seasons on the horizon, there could be many opportunities to bring Reynolds back for a long-awaited reunion with Brimsley after the events of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
