Like everyone else stuck in Lockdown III, the Dinghy office crew have binge-watched Netflix’s latest blockbuster series Bridgerton – a period drama that’s Jane Austen meets Gossip Girl. The scandal and spectacle of the 19th century society season was a welcome relief from the gloomy weather and closed pubs of 2021, but, alas, it was all over too soon. While we started the countdown to series two, we looked back over the characters we had grown to love and hate (and love to hate), and we felt a strange sense of familiarity. Yes, indeed, the heroes and villains of this Regency world were strikingly similar to some freelance clients we’ve met along our journeys. This blog takes a look at the Bridgerton character types that you might encounter as you work the freelancing circuit (WARNING: contains spoilers!).
Anthony Bridgerton – the scatty client
Forever arriving late to things and distracted by his romantic affairs, Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) is a man with a lot of responsibility on his plate. This client is loveable and well-intentioned, but can be hard work – you’re forever having to chase them for that document they said they’d send, or left sitting in a Zoom waiting room on your own.
Lady Featherington – the client who wants everything in a rush
In the series, Portia Featherington (Polly Walker) is desperate to marry off her daughters and can never be persuaded to give things time to develop before screaming for a wedding date. Pushy and demanding, these clients have yet to learn that patience is a virtue. Could you do that job for them, ASAP….yesterday if possible?
Queen Charlotte – the difficult to please client
Sitting at the top of the society ladder, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is as impenetrable as she is judgemental. One minute you’re this season’s “incomparable” freelancer, the next you’ve fallen out of favour. This client blows hot and cold with you and you’re never quite sure where you really stand. You’re terrified of messing up in front of them, because that could totally ruin your career.
Benedict Bridgerton – the client who doesn’t really know what they want
The second eldest of the Bridgerton boys, Benedict (Luke Thompson) spends his time dodging high society events in favour of art lessons and the occasional underground party. Torn between his rightful place in society and the hedonistic life of a free-spirited artist, Benedict doesn’t really know what he wants. Clients like Benedict are extremely pleasant to deal with, but ultimately difficult to work for. Their briefs are vague at best, but often non-existent. A small job can spiral into a big one if no one is clear on what the requirements and parameters are, but Benedicts struggle to make decisions, no matter how small.
Lord Featherington – the client you suspect doesn’t have the money to pay you
Beneath Lord Featherington’s (Ben Miller) aloof and somewhat haughty manner lies a secret gambling problem and a huge pile of debt. Clients that are evasive about fees, payment and budgets should be a big red flag to freelancers. Whenever the question of money comes up – be that a daughter’s dowry or that unpaid invoice – they suddenly come up with a host of excuses or merely ignore the question altogether.
Lady Danbury – (secretly) your favourite client
Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) is a tough cookie on the outside, but with a caring heart of gold. Her attitude is straight down the line with no messing about, so you always know where you stand. We love clients like this – you know exactly what’s expected of you and so you can get on with the job in hand. Briefs, payment terms and timescales are clear and agreed upon in advance. They’ll look after you and fight to get your invoices paid on time. These clients are our absolute faves. Shhh, don’t tell anyone though, you wouldn’t want that news to get to…
Lady Whistledown – the invisible and mysterious client
SPOILER ALERT – Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews) is the secret writer of the Bridgerton gossip rag, but their identity is a closely guarded secret. Whistledown-type clients will get in touch with you, set up a job, and then seem to disappear completely. Need to get hold of them to check about something on the project? Good luck!
Daphne Bridgerton – the high-profile client
Having been declared “flawless” by the exacting standards of the Queen, Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) is the talk of the town and everybody wants to bask in her beauty. This client’s reputation precedes them, and you know to bag them would be a huge boost for your freelancer credentials. Try not to be intimidated by their profile and status, and treat them as you would any other client – polite, confident and professional.
The Duke of Hastings – the short-term client
Just as with Simon Bassett, aka the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), and his rakishly long list of conquests, this client has left a string of previous freelancers in their wake. It seems you’re next on their list, but what made all the other relationships not work out? Go in with your eyes open on this one, and expect this to be a one-off job, but you never know. Perhaps they just haven’t made the right match yet.
Dinghy insurance is a freelancer’s ticket to the ton
Whether your books are full of Benedicts or you’re left dealing with a Portia Featherington or two, Dinghy is here to help. Our professional indemnity insurance policy is there in case you do make a mistake and happen to upset Queen Charlotte. It’ll provide cover for fees and compensation, and a dedicated legal team in the event of a dispute with a client. All Dinghy policies also include Freelancer Assist to support you with tax and legal affairs – including help collecting unpaid invoices from Lord Featherington types. Whether you’re making your freelancing debut or you’re an established member of the society circuit, Dinghy freelancer insurance is a most joyous companion indeed.
