The Duke and I

Daphne and Simon kiss and engage in foreplay. Daphne revels in the new experiences, believing that Simon’s hesitation in saying her name is proof of her ability to be a good partner in bed.

Simon undresses both Daphne and himself, and Daphne regrets that she does not fully understand what will happen next. Simon laughs, and Daphne is offended until Simon explains that he is merely delighted and “honored to be the only man to touch you thus” (282). Daphne laughs when Simon expresses that he will now be madly jealous when other men pay her attention. Simon is determined to be a selfless partner, careful not to cause Daphne discomfort. He is equally careful to assure that he ejaculates on the sheets, in an attempt to prevent a pregnancy.

At Clyvedon, the newlyweds stay in bed for a week, after which Daphne decides to assume her responsibilities as mistress of the house. She notices that all the servants seem personally attached to Simon, but he refuses to explain why. Alone, Simon reflects on how uncomfortable it is to be surrounded by his past, as no amount of regard from servants could make up for his “shame” at being rejected by his father. Simon reminds himself that Daphne is merely curious and unaware of his history, and that she deserves better than his anger. Simon admits that it was a “loss” to grow up without his mother.

Daphne invites the housekeeper, Mrs. Colson, to tea to learn more about the estate. Mrs. Colson confesses her devotion to her late mistress, Simon’s mother, and the duchess’s anguish over her fertility struggles. Daphne sees a kinship between them, as she too will not be a mother. Mrs. Colson explains that it may have been the lack of “strong healthy seed” from Simon’s father that was the contributing factor (292). She confesses that the Duke thought Simon was defective, with such impossibly high standards no one could meet them. Finally, she explains Simon’s childhood struggles with speech. The housekeeper confesses that it “broke her heart” to see the Duke to harm his son with his coldness, but that Simon’s resolve was endless (295). Daphne, lost in thought with the new revelations, lets the housekeeper see herself out.

Simon stands in Daphne’s bedroom, eager for another evening in bed. He is disturbed to see Daphne looking at him in her mirror, preoccupied with his face, as “All through his childhood, people had stared at his mouth […] as if unable to believe that such a normal-looking feature could produce such gibberish” (299). Daphne is surprised in turn when Simon asks about the housekeeper and assures her that they will live in London so there is no need for her to learn estate management.

Daphne tells Simon that she is “so very proud you’re mine” (302), remembering what she has learned of his traumatic history. In a moment of laughter as they wrestle in bed, Daphne tells Simon she loves him, assuring him she does not expect reciprocity. He kisses her passionately. She finds herself preoccupied with his voice and throat muscles, imagining that even these moments of passion might be challenging for him. After they have sex, Daphne finally realizes why Simon always keeps her away from him when he has an orgasm, remembering her conversation with the housekeeper.

She wakes Simon, furious that he has taken advantage of her ignorance about sex. Simon, equally outraged, claims she cannot understand her new knowledge about his family because her own is too happy and finally exclaims, “Daphne, he told people I was dead!” (310). Simon gives a long speech about his father’s obsession with the family line, and how he will win in the end by letting his family line die out. Daphne tries in vain to remind him his father was wrong, thinking of the letters the Duke left with Middlethorpe. Simon, triumphant in his declaration, storms out and leaves a weeping Daphne behind.