Jonathan Bailey has yet to return to Mayfair on his journey down the yellow brick road.

The actor, currently starring in Wicked, is notably absent from the first half of Bridgerton Season Four, which premiered on Netflix on January 29. His character, Anthony Bridgerton, along with his wife Kate Sharma, portrayed by Simone Ashley, are missing from the initial four episodes.

Anticipating fans’ disappointment, the popular Regency-era drama addresses the couple’s absence right at the beginning of the first episode.

Within the opening scenes, the family’s housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, played by Geraldine Alexander, casually informs the other servants about the viscount and viscountess’s current whereabouts. This occurs as they observe Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Luke Newton, and his wife Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, tending to their newborn.

Commenting on the couple’s child, Mrs. Wilson quips, “They’re sweet as long as you aren’t the one who has to look after them and mind their cries. I, for one, am glad the viscountess had her baby in India.”

To which a maid swiftly replies, “I cannot wait to meet the little heir when they return.”