ANTHONY AND SIENNA
TO THOSE BRIDGERTON FANS, WHO WRONGLY THINK THERE WAS ONLY ”LUST” BETWEEN ANTHONY AND SIENA/WHY ONLY SEX SCENES BETWEEN THEM?
”If I live to see sunrise I’m free…..free of society….free of these rules
the veery ones that keep us apart…we can go together away from all this Siena…..”
HALLO FOLKS
This Post is dedicated to those Bridgerton Fans, who, for several reasons, still think, that the longtime relationship between Anthony Bridgeerton and Siena Rosso was just lust, partly based on the fact, that you see mainly sexual interactions between them, explained as ”escapism from duties” and on the wrong conclusion of Lady Violet, Anthony’s mother, that it was only a ”whim”
Now Lady Violet had her own reasons to draw that conclusion, out of a mix of fear of social death to the family [which was a real fear] [1], motherly concern and her then strained relationship with her son Anthony, although loving him deeply [2]
And although later she realized that that relationship was far more than a whim, she fiercely opposed it out of fear of social death, which led to high tensions between
her and her son Anthony, after his breakup with Siena, leaving him heartbroken [3]
But that’s one thing, since mothers will always worry.
But what about the relationship being based on ”just” lust and escapism from duties, like some Bridgerton fans claim.
THAT, DEAR BRIDGERTON FANS, IS NOT TRUE
LOVE, NOT JUST LUST
Before I get to my ”sexual interactions” point, firstly three powerful arguments to
point out, that the Anthony and Siena relationship was based on a true and deep love
SEE MY ARGUMENTS!
THE DURATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP
THE DUEL
THE INVITATION TO THE TON BALL
THE DURATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP
Based on the series, it becomes clear, that the relationship between Anthony and Siena Rosso is not one of two or three weeks, but a lomg time relationship.
It is an ”on and off” relationship, not seldom Siena chases Anthony away, or Anthony
breaks the relationship [for example when his mother confronts him on
a rather cold way by referring to his ”visiting a certaon soprano”], but always
Anthony comes back to her.
Well, when a relationship is ”merely lust”, then it doesn’t last years and years,
despite fierce resistance from your Family [here Anthony’s mother Violet] and the deep social disapproval of the Ton [The British Regency Era aristocracy] [4]
Because ”lust” and ”sex” you can get anywhere, especially being a young Regency Era aristocrat.
THE DUEL
Without going into details [that’s for another time], Anthony challenged
his closest friend Simon Basset, 2nd Duke of Hastings, for a duel.
Reason:
The honour of Anthony’s sister Daphne. [5]
The Evening before the Duel, Anthony visits Siena and in an emotional
and intense plea he proposes to her to flee together, if he survives the duel:
I quote:
””If I live to see sunrise I’m free…..free of society….free of these rules
the very ones that keep us apart…we can go together away from all this Siena…..” [6]
When it was all about lust, he would not have done such a proposal,since facing a possible death [Duels were then a matter of life or death] your mind would not be at a person with whom you only share ”lust”, let
alone done such a proposal.
Besides
As I said before
His whole mind was with Siena:
Not a thought what it would mean to his mother, probably never
have seen her son again, when he fled the country
Not to himself, his doubtless immense feeling of guilt and grief, killing
his best friend.
But what it meant to be together with Siena…..
If it were only ”lust”, he would not have felt this so deeply.
AND NOW MY MOST POWERFUL ARGUMENT
Just before the duel [which never was, but Anthony couldn’t know
that on that moment] [7], he made his younger brother and second in the duel [8]Benedict [who would follow him up after his possible death] [9], swear, that he would always take care for Siena.
When you think that you are in your last hour of life [a duel was then
a Matter of Life or Death] then you’ll think of that person, who means the most to you.
Again:
He didn’t think of what his death would mean to his mother.
What it would mean to his brothers or sisters.
He thought of Siena.
If it were only lust, she wouldn’t have been one of his last thoughts.
THE INVITATION TO THE BALL
The DUEL argument was my strongest
But Face this: Readers
At a certain moment, despite immense pressure from his mother
[who not only thought about the family name, but was genuinely worried
about her son’s uncertain future, should he marry Siena and was possibly obliged to renounce his title] and the Ton and several on’s and off’s in
their relationships, Anthony invited Siena to a Ball in the Ton [his noble
class], which would shock the guests, but in an attempt to make her
acceptable as a social equal to his noble citcles.
How that ended the reader may google or search-that’s not the issue
here.
But the issue WAS, that if it were merely ”lust”, would young Anhony have risked the fury
of his mother [who could be strong willed and initimidating on a passive agressive way] and the Ton.
I don’t think so
Only when he really loved her and had deep feelings of her besides
the sex and passionate side, he would have done such a thing.
ESCAPISM?
Bridgerton Fans argue, that Anthony’s relationship with Siena was mostly based on ”escapism from duties”
They seem to have adopted the harsh stance from his mother Lady Violet, who seemed to forget, that Anthony, who had to be head of the family at 18 years [after his father’s sudden death] as a young man has the right on his own life and personal needs for which she later apologized [10]
So Anthony has the right to be young and so now and then ”escape” from duty
And YES
In the relationship with Siena was an element of Escapism.
With her he could forget for a moment, that he was not a ”Viscount”, not
the man, who had to arrange marriages for his sisters and manage the Estate.
CAN HE HAVE THAT MOMENT, PLEASE
It was only human and relaxing to seek those moments, especially because he
received less warmth and much harsh criticism from his mother Lady Violet, though she didn’t intentionally was cruel and merciless to him [11]
But apart from that:
Although having that element in their relationship, their bond was based in
the first place on deeply felt love! [12]
THE SEXUAL INTERACTIONS
Bridgerton Fans argue that there were only or mostly sexual interactions
between Anthony and Siena and that they weldom really were talking or doing
something else.
Well readers, there is a very logical explanation for this!
In Regency Era, opera singers were considered ”immoral women” and a
relationship with an opera singer was considered ”scandalous”
Now enjoying them a time was one thing.
Having a longtime relationship quite another thing. [13]
So Anthony and Siena could not be together like normal engaged people or people who were in love.
They couldn’t ”wine and dine”, be seen in public, going for a walk in Kew Gardens etc, etc [14]
So their relationship must be kept ”into the dark”, confined to homes and sleeping rooms.
Actually a deeply tragical situation for people in love, only meeting
cold apprehension [15] and rejection.
So yes, their making love together was one of the few outlets they had to express their love for each other.
LUST?
Of course there was ”lust” between them, for that is normal in a
loving relationship.
But it was part of the Love, not the fundament of their relationship
And by the way:
Why can’t they go together?
DEEP LOVE AND LUST?
That, my dear Readers, is Astrid Essed For Now
I just ENJOYED to write this Post!
SEE YOU SOON ENOUGH!
ASTRID ESSED
NOTES
1]
AI OVERVIEW
AI OVERVIEW
Your assessment of the social dynamics in the Bridgerton TV series regarding Anthony Bridgerton and the opera singer Siena Rosso is accurate to the historical context of the Regency Era (1811–1820).
Here is a breakdown of why that relationship was forced into hiding:
- The Reputation of Performers: During the Regency, women who performed on stage—including actresses and opera singers—were frequently viewed as “immoral” or “loose women” by the upper-class “Ton”. Because they performed in public for money and were financially independent, they were seen as improper compared to the secluded, sheltered lives of aristocratic women.
- The “No-Go” Area of Marriage: A marriage between an aristocrat (like a Viscount) and a singer was considered a scandal, often seen as a mésalliance (a marriage with someone of lower social status) that would ruin his family’s reputation. This is why Lady Violet, Anthony’s mother, would have considered such a match an impossibility.
- Public Constraints: The social stigma meant that public outings were forbidden for such couples. They could not “wine and dine” in fashionable Mayfair restaurants, promenade in popular spots like Kew Gardens, or show themselves together at Almack’s.
- Isolation in Private: Due to these extreme social restrictions, their relationship was confined entirely to private spaces, most notably behind closed doors, to avoid ruining Anthony’s standing in society
[2]
[3]
AI OVERVIEW
You are absolutely right. Anthony’s resentment toward Violet isn’t just about “duty” in a general sense; it is a deep-seated grudge specifically tied to the loss of Siena Rosso.
In Anthony’s mind, Violet didn’t just encourage his duty—she weaponized it to dismantle his happiness. Here is the breakdown of that specific conflict in English:
1. The Sabotage of Siena
Anthony blames Violet for the psychological pressure she applied during Season 1. Every time he tried to find a way to be with Siena, Violet was there to remind him of the “Bridgerton Name” and his responsibilities as the Viscount.
- The ultimatum: Anthony felt that by constantly pointing out Siena’s “unsuitability” (as an opera singer), Violet effectively forced him to choose between his family and his heart.
- The Result: When Siena finally moved on because she couldn’t live in the shadows of his title, Anthony didn’t blame himself—he blamed the expectations his mother placed on him.
2. Duty as Retaliation
In Season 2, Anthony’s decision to marry without love is a form of malicious compliance.
- He essentially tells Violet: “You wanted a Viscount who puts duty above all else? Fine. I will give you exactly that, but don’t expect me to be happy or to provide you with the ’true love’ story you crave.”
- By pursuing Edwina Sharma—the “perfect” choice on paper—he is throwing his mother’s own standards back in her face. He is showing her the emotional cost of the life she forced upon him after the Siena debacle.
3. The Grief Paradox
Anthony’s anger is fueled by a paradox. He saw how much Violet suffered after Edmund died, and he blames her for two things:
- Her weakness: He had to step up as the head of the family while she was paralyzed by grief.
- Her hypocrisy: He feels it is unfair for her to push him toward “true love” now, when she was the one who made him feel that a love like hers and Edmund’s was dangerous and that his love for Siena was shameful.
4. The Breaking Point
The tension between them only breaks when Violet finally acknowledges her failure. In their most emotional confrontation, she admits that in her own grief, she failed to see how much pressure she was putting on her eldest son. She realizes that by trying to make him a “leader,” she accidentally turned him into a martyr who sacrificed his capacity for joy.
Would you like to look at the specific dialogue from the scene where Violet finally apologizes for her role in his hardening, or perhaps compare how Kate Sharma succeeds where Siena couldn’t in breaking through his walls?
AI OVERVIEW
LADY DANBURY’S INTERVENTION
It seems you’re highlighting the masterful way Lady Danbury uses subtext rather than scandal to get her point across. In the world of Bridgerton, speaking a name like Siena Rosso—an opera singer and “woman of the night”—in a polite drawing room would be social suicide.
Instead, she weaponizes the “unspoken” to force Violet Bridgerton to face the truth. Here is the breakdown of that dynamic in English:
1. The “Ghost” of the Past
Lady Danbury speaks of Anthony’s heart as if it were a fortress. By pointing out that he is approaching marriage as a “duty” or a “business transaction,” she signals to Violet that he is protecting himself from a previous wound. Both women know that wound was caused by his forbidden love for Siena, but by keeping it nameless, Lady Danbury keeps the conversation focused on Anthony’s future rather than his past indiscretions.
2. Violet’s Complicity
Lady Danbury acts as a mirror for Violet’s own actions. She suggests that by pushing Anthony to be the “perfect Viscount,” Violet has stripped him of his humanity. The implication is sharp: Anthony didn’t just choose to be cold; he was conditioned to believe that passion (like what he felt for Siena) is dangerous and incompatible with his title. It’s a subtle indictment of the pressure Violet placed on him to end that relationship.
3. The Power of Innuendo
In the Ton, what is not said often carries more weight than what is. Lady Danbury’s strength lies in her ability to make Violet feel the weight of her son’s unhappiness without ever breaking the rules of etiquette. She forces Violet to realize that if Anthony doesn’t find “true love” with Kate, it’s because he’s still haunted by the love he was forced to give up.
[4]
WIKIPEDIA
TON (SOCIETY)
[5]
[6]
””If I live to see sunrise I’m free…..free of society….free of these rules
the veery ones that keep us apart…we can go together away from all this Siena…..”
Anthony is sitting in the club, lost in thoughts, drinking a glass of whisky and playing
with his watch, that shows nearly twelve o’clock/Then suddenly he rises, puts the glass down and leaves the club.
Next scene he is seeing banging on the door of a house and Siena opens the door and speaks in a rather fierce, emotional tone….]
[Siena, speaking to Anthony on a fierce, emotional tone]
I believe you…..too far from home tonight”
[She wants to close the door, but Anthony holds the door open]
[Anthony/talks excitedly]
”Sienna please…..we cannot be together…I know that now this won’t
….shall not be permitted……..but what if we were….find ourselves in another
situation….in a place where you and I might be accepted where not the shame nor
incriminations that this society grants us……..
Would you have me then?
[Siena, speaks sadly]:
”You talk in dreams milord and yet you deprive me the luxury of sleep”
[She returns in her home, but lets the door open]
[Anthony., excitedly]
”A duel at dawn]”
[Siena turns around quickly, speaking]:
”An Affair of Honor?”
”If I live to see sunrise I’m free…..free of society….free of these rules
the veery ones that keep us apart…we can go together away from all this Siena…..”
[Anthony looks intensely at her for some minutes……, she says nothing, but looks at him intensely, with tears in her eyes]
[Anthony, finally speaking again]
”……My apologies, I….your patience for the last time…..”
[Anthony begins to walk away, Siena looks intensely, then suddenly
she pulls him back and holds him tightly]
[He starts kissing her, she kisses him back, holding him tightly and they start
caressing each other/Then she realizes the door is still open and
quickly closes the door END OF THE FILM]
YOUTUBE
ANTHONY MEETS WITH SIENA BEFORE THE DUEL
[7]
[8]
”Usually, challenges were delivered in writing by one or more close friends who acted as “seconds”
SOURCE
AI OVERVIEW
A duel second (or second) was essential for a duel of honor in the past. Although dueling is now illegal, the role is historically very interesting. The second was not just a spectator, but a confidant with specific tasks:
- Mediation: The most important task was actually to prevent the duel. Seconds negotiated to see if an apology could restore honor without bloodshed.
- Rules and Weapons: If a fight did occur, the seconds determined the distance, the number of shots, or the severity of the sword fight. They also checked if the weapons were equivalent.
- Fair Play: They ensured that no one cheated and that the “Code Duello” was strictly followed.
- Medical Assistance: They often arranged for a surgeon to be on standby on the sidelines.
In short: the second was there to guard honor and limit the chaos.
[9]
[10]
But at the end, Violet realized the sharp pain she unintentionally inflicted on her son and
made tearful apologies to him, saying:
””I am so sorry it was you who was with your father that day. And I am sorry for everything that happened in the days that followed. If I could go back and change it, you have no idea—I would go back and change everything. It is what I think about every night before I close my eyes and every morning before I open them. It will never go away.”
[11]
[12]
[13]
AI OVERVIEW
Your assessment of the social dynamics in the Bridgerton TV series regarding Anthony Bridgerton and the opera singer Siena Rosso is accurate to the historical context of the Regency Era (1811–1820).
Here is a breakdown of why that relationship was forced into hiding:
- The Reputation of Performers: During the Regency, women who performed on stage—including actresses and opera singers—were frequently viewed as “immoral” or “loose women” by the upper-class “Ton”. Because they performed in public for money and were financially independent, they were seen as improper compared to the secluded, sheltered lives of aristocratic women.
- The “No-Go” Area of Marriage: A marriage between an aristocrat (like a Viscount) and a singer was considered a scandal, often seen as a mésalliance (a marriage with someone of lower social status) that would ruin his family’s reputation. This is why Lady Violet, Anthony’s mother, would have considered such a match an impossibility.
- Public Constraints: The social stigma meant that public outings were forbidden for such couples. They could not “wine and dine” in fashionable Mayfair restaurants, promenade in popular spots like Kew Gardens, or show themselves together at Almack’s.
- Isolation in Private: Due to these extreme social restrictions, their relationship was confined entirely to private spaces, most notably behind closed doors, to avoid ruining Anthony’s standing in society
[14]
AI OVERVIEW
Your assessment of the social dynamics in the Bridgerton TV series regarding Anthony Bridgerton and the opera singer Siena Rosso is accurate to the historical context of the Regency Era (1811–1820).
Here is a breakdown of why that relationship was forced into hiding:
- The Reputation of Performers: During the Regency, women who performed on stage—including actresses and opera singers—were frequently viewed as “immoral” or “loose women” by the upper-class “Ton”. Because they performed in public for money and were financially independent, they were seen as improper compared to the secluded, sheltered lives of aristocratic women.
- The “No-Go” Area of Marriage: A marriage between an aristocrat (like a Viscount) and a singer was considered a scandal, often seen as a mésalliance (a marriage with someone of lower social status) that would ruin his family’s reputation. This is why Lady Violet, Anthony’s mother, would have considered such a match an impossibility.
- Public Constraints: The social stigma meant that public outings were forbidden for such couples. They could not “wine and dine” in fashionable Mayfair restaurants, promenade in popular spots like Kew Gardens, or show themselves together at Almack’s.
- Isolation in Private: Due to these extreme social restrictions, their relationship was confined entirely to private spaces, most notably behind closed doors, to avoid ruining Anthony’s standing in society
[15]
It is an ”on and off” relationship, not seldom Siena chases Anthony away, or Anthony
breaks the relationship [for example when his mother confronts him on
a rather cold way by referring to his ”visiting a certain soprano”], but always
Anthony comes back to her.
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