There's more to this maid than meets the eye. What is a &34;ward&34; in Bridgerton season 4? Here's what the term hides about Sophie There's more to this maid than meets the eye. By Allison DeGrushe :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/allisondegrusheEWbiophotoe5f8e89253c84b7085a43c502a3051a4.jpg) Allison DeGrushe Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at . She has been working at since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify. EW's editorial guidelines January 29, 2026 5:34 p.m. ET Leave a Comment :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/BridgertonYerinHa01292692b9a596448e4b44931fa8cf73fa9e98.

There's more to this maid than meets the eye.

What is a "ward" in *Bridgerton *season 4? Here's what the term hides about Sophie

There's more to this maid than meets the eye.

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 29, 2026 5:34 p.m. ET

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Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek in 'Bridgerton' season 4. Credit:

Liam Daniel/Netflix

- Part 1 of *Bridgerton *season 4 is now streaming on Netflix.

- In episode 2, a flashback shows Lord Penwood calling a young Sophie his "ward."

- The term hides Sophie's secret connection to the lord, but not for long.

**Warning: This article contains spoilers for *Bridgerton *season 4 part 1.**

*Bridgerton* fans can finally breathe easy, because the newest love story has finally arrived.

Part 1 of season 4 is now streaming on Netflix, and it throws viewers straight into Benedict's (Luke Thompson) world. At a glamorous masquerade ball, he is instantly smitten by a mysterious woman he's sure belongs to London's elite, but she's actually a maid named Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

Sophie appears in the *Bridgerton *books (albeit as Sophie Beckett), but this is the first time most TV viewers are meeting the character. Episode 2 offers hints into her past, illuminating how she ended up where she is today.

This flashback also highlights an interesting detail: her father, Lord Penwood, refers to her as his "ward." But what does that really mean in the world on *Bridgerton*? Let's break it down.

Who is Sophie Baek in *Bridgerton *season 4?

Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek in 'Bridgerton' season 4.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

In *Bridgerton *season 4, fans quickly learn that Sophie is a young woman at the center of a tricky family situation. She's working as a maid for her stepmother, Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung), and her stepsisters, Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei). As for how she ended up in that position, well, the flashback in episode 2 has all the answers.

A young Sophie excitedly tells Irma (Fiona Marr) and Miss Timmons, two of Lord Penwood's servants, that she cannot wait to meet her stepmother. "I will finally have a mother. I have always wanted one," she gushes. "My new mother must be lovely and kind if she is marrying father."

'Bridgerton' stars Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha react to Benedict's offer in episode 4

'Bridgerton' season 4 cast: Meet the new players in Benedict's Cinderella-inspired love story

Irma and Miss Timmons share a knowing glance before the former gently warns Sophie, "You must not call Lord Penwood 'Father' in front of the new Lady Penwood." Sophie wants to know why, but Irma makes her order clear.

Araminta finally arrives, and she and Lord Penwood embrace. Sophie can't help but smile as she watches the happy couple. After greeting his wife and stepdaughters, Lord Penwood introduces them to his staff, but Araminta's attention lands on Sophie. She bends down and asks, "And who is this darling girl?"

"This is Sophie Baek, my ward," Lord Penwood replies, and Araminta's smile immediately falls. She straightens, sharpening her gaze as confusion (and maybe a hint of disgust) flickers across her face. Sophie softly says, "It is delightful to meet you."

Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun in 'Bridgerton' season 4.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

When Lord Penwood adds, "I know you will care for her as your own," Araminta hesitates. For a brief moment, her surprise and annoyance peek through, but she quickly covers it with a forced smile. "Of course I shall," she tells her husband. "She is the picture of grace and charm, my lord."

As Lord Penwood walks away, the mask drops entirely. Araminta casts Sophie one last cold look, glancing down at her with open resentment, before storming off.

After Lord Penwood dies, Araminta tells Sophie that she was left out of his will. Claiming she's just trying to look out for the girl, Araminta offers Sophie a place in the Penwood household as an unpaid maid. From that point on, Sophie is at the mercy of Araminta and her daughters, who make life anything but easy.

What is a ward on Bridgerton?

Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek and Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in 'Bridgerton' season 4.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

So, what exactly does Lord Penwood mean when he calls Sophie his "ward"?

According to Merriam-Webster, the official definition of "ward" is "a person or thing under guard, protection, or surveillance," such as a "minor subject to wardship." In Sophie's case, Lord Penwood is using the term to make it clear to Araminta that he's simply Sophie's legal guardian. But judging by Araminta's icy reaction when she first meets Sophie, it's safe to say she knows he's lying.

In Julia Quinn's novel *An Offer From a Gentleman*, readers learn that Sophie is the product of an affair Lord Penwood had with a maid. One day, the maid's mother leaves baby Sophie at his estate with a letter explaining everything. Lord Penwood takes the child in right away but burns the letter to keep the secret and protect his reputation.

Later, when he marries Araminta, he introduces her as his "ward" to hide the fact that she's really his daughter. It doesn't take long for Araminta to figure out that Sophie is actually his illegitimate child, and she tells him to get rid of her. He refuses, and from then on, Sophie has to put up with her stepmother and stepsisters' cruel behavior.

Where can I watch Bridgerton?

Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek in 'Bridgerton' season 4.

Liam Daniel/Netflix

*Bridgerton *is available to stream on Netflix.

Season 4, Part 1 premiered on Thursday, Jan. 29. Part 2 arrives on Thursday, Feb. 26.

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