Reading will not find you a husband: Eloise Bridgerton, accomplishment and the 'thinking woman' in the early nineteenth-century period drama.

This article analyzes the character of Eloise Bridgerton in the Netflix series *Bridgerton* (2020–present) as a modern feminist figure situated within a Regency-era setting. Eloise's portrayal draws on historical references, notably to Mary Wollstonecraft, to explore themes of intellectual freedom, gender equality, and the constraints placed on women's education and societal roles in the early nineteenth century. The article situates Eloise as an evolved, more empowered counterpart to Mary Bennet from *Pride and Prejudice*, highlighting how her character resonates with contemporary audiences seeking nuanced feminist and queer representation in period dramas. It also discusses the tensions in Eloise's characterization, including her privileged perspective and the potential for her feminist rhetoric to develop into meaningful action in future storylines.