What Does ‘Ward’ Mean In ‘Bridgerton’? Sophie’s Family History Explained

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton Season 4, Episode 1.

Benedict’s season of Bridgerton has made its debut and it hasn’t disappointed so far. The first four episodes of Season 4 landed on Netflix on Jan. 29, introducing viewers to the second-eldest Bridgerton’s long-awaited romance and his main love interest, Sophie Baek.

In Episode 1, viewers meet Sophie (Yerin Ha) the same way Benedict (Luke Thompson) does, as the mysterious “Lady in Silver” at Violet Bridgerton’s masquerade ball. Flashbacks later reveal that Sophie’s fellow servants, Irma and Alfie, convinced her to attend the ball that night. To pull off her costume, they piece together an outfit using her aunt’s old dress, a stolen pair of Lady Araminta’s silver heels and a leftover bejeweled mask.

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While trying to stay under the radar, Sophie catches Benedict’s attention, who is determined to leave his rakish past behind him. The two step outside to the patio, where Benedict teaches her how to dance. They share a kiss before Sophie runs off when the clock strikes midnight. The only clue Benedict is left with is a long white glove she gives him before disappearing.

Throughout Season 4, Part 1, Bridgerton gradually reveals more about Sophie’s life, including who her parents were, what happened to them and her complicated relationship with her cruel stepmother, Lady Araminta.

Who Is Sophie Baek?

Sophie is the illegitimate daughter of the late Lord Penwood and his maid, who later became his mistress and remains unnamed in the series. Araminta tells Sophie that her mother died when she was very young and left behind no money, title, or husband.

Despite these circumstances, Sophie grew up in a happy household. She wore nice clothes, received an education, learned multiple languages and developed a love for literature. However, all that changed when Lady Araminta arrived with two daughters of her own. She started isolating Sophie, pulling her away from family life and activities.

What Does “Ward” Mean In Bridgerton Season 4?

When Araminta and her daughters arrive at Penwood House, one of the maids warns Sophie not to call Lord Penwood her “father” in front of Araminta. Later, when the lord introduces his new wife to the household staff, he skips over Sophie entirely. When Araminta asks who the young girl is, he responds that she is his “ward.”

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, a ward is “a person, especially a child, who is legally put under the protection of a law court or a guardian.”

Julia Quinn’s novel An Offer for a Gentleman provides more backstory on Sophie as the illegitimate daughter of the Earl of Penwood. The book says that when Sophie was just three years old, her ailing grandmother left her at her father’s estate. As a result, the Earl told others that Sophie was the orphaned daughter of a friend whom he had taken in as his ward.

However, Araminta’s reaction to the word “ward” makes it clear that she knows Sophie is actually her new husband’s daughter, something he likely failed to disclose before their marriage arrangement.

Lord Penwood later dies when Sophie is a teenager. In a flashback at his grave, Lady Penwood tells Sophie that her father left her nothing in his will. Instead, she offers Sophie a position as a maid in the household, framing it as “protection.” With no inheritance and no other options, Sophie accepts, believing it is the only way she can survive.

“Penwood House was Sophie’s home when she grew up. She has such a sentimental attachment to that place. But then it’s taken over by this cruel woman,” Ha, who plays Sophie, told Netflix’s Tudum.

The actress continued, “[Sophie knows] she could be on the street with no money. It all manifests in this deep trauma, and that’s why she has her guard up. She doesn’t trust anyone who says, ‘I promise this for you,’ because that has never been true for Sophie.”

Why Was Sophie Beckett’s Name Changed to Sophia Baek?

Sophie’s surname was changed from Beckett in the book to Baek in the series. According to Tudum, the change honors the actress’ Korean surname.

“A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful,” Ha told the streamer. “To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.”

As for how the name Baek was chosen, showrunner Jess Brownell asked Ha about Korean last names that begin with a B, and they ultimately landed on Baek.

“It’s a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold,” Ha added. “It’s amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.”

If you’ve finished Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1, you can read my full recap of the dramatic ending here, including the surprise twist involving Araminta that will impact Sophie in Part 2.

Bridgerton Season 4, Part 1 is streaming on Netflix.

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