The Duke and I

Lady Whistledown reflects that Simon’s public declarations never to marry came before his dance with Daphne at the recent ball.

Simon visits the Bridgerton house because Daphne insists that a formal social call is required to cement the fiction that he is pursuing her. Simon arrives to find Daphne surrounded by a crowd of admiring men, which irritates him.

Violet helps Simon reach Daphne, who praises the expensive tulips he has brought. Violet shoos the other suitors out. Alone together, Simon and Daphne reflect on Violet’s efficiency and obvious social strategy. Daphne thinks that Simon cannot truly be a scandalous man, as his humor is warm not “cruel.” Simon gazes at Daphne, clearly infatuated. They laugh and banter until Daphne reminds Simon that Anthony is upset by their potential relationship. She argues that they should tell Anthony of their ruse to preserve his friendship with Simon.

Daphne teases Simon for using her first name without permission and he makes a double entendre about Daphne saying his name in a sexual context. Daphne thanks him again for the flowers, and Simon retorts that they are really for Violet. Daphne suggests this will only increase her mother’s attachment to him, but he insists that it is better to manage only one society matron at a time. Daphne fights feelings of attraction as she touches Simon’s arm to prevent his sleeve from getting wet with the flowers. Violet returns with a made-up excuse for her long absence, and Simon offers her the tulips, bringing her to tears. Daphne recalls that no one has made such gestures to her mother since her father’s passing a decade ago. Impressed with Simon’s consideration, “Daphne [decides] then and there that she’d be a fool if she didn’t fall in love with him” (120). As Daphne leaves for a vase, an outraged Anthony arrives. Violet tells them that if they must have conflict, they should do it in another room. Simon is fascinated by Violet’s influence and the relationship between mother and son.

In the study, Anthony asserts his authority as head of the Bridgerton family. Simon accuses Anthony of not respecting Daphne’s intellect, and argues that he is not the man he was in his early twenties. Anthony insists that the problem is not only Simon’s youthful escapades, but that he knows Daphne wants a family and Simon does not. Privately, Simon admires Anthony’s loyalty. Daphne enters with tea, checking that both men are still alive. Simon accepts that Anthony must be told of the scheme and begins to explain their arrangement.

Simon barely finishes his explanation before Anthony shouts, “Are you both completely, irrevocably, abominably insane?” (132). Anthony threatens to kill Simon, declares their friendship over, and asks him to leave. Daphne insists that Simon’s interest has gained her more callers than she has ever had before. Simon finds it difficult to hear Daphne admit she might consider one of the recent callers a suitable husband and points out that men who need his attentions to notice Daphne might not be worthy of her. Daphne tears up at this observation. Anthony finally agrees to support the scheme when Daphne reminds him how badly she wants to be married. Anthony threatens Simon with grave harm if Daphne’s reputation is damaged or the two are ever alone together, and insists that the scheme remain secret.

Anthony becomes outraged again when Simon reminds him that Anthony had invited Simon to dinner that evening. Anthony refuses the suggestion that he will soon calm down and see Simon as his old and trusted friend. Simon recognizes Anthony has grown more serious with time, considering how “Simon had a dukedom, but Anthony had a family” (140).

Daphne attempts to convince Violet that the elaborately planned meal will be fine for Simon’s tastes. Violet’s panics when she hears that Anthony has informed Simon of the family habit of eating together, children included. She panics that the young Gregory may start a food fight. Violet expresses her approval of Simon, assuring Daphne that she wishes her marriage to be happy, not merely based on social status. Daphne realizes that her plan to be the one to break off the fake relationship with Simon will devastate Violet. Daphne ruefully reflects that she would agree if Violet suggested that leaving Simon would be a mistake.

At the family dinner, Simon is surprised by the loud conversations and animated atmosphere. Ten-year-old Hyacinth points out that Simon “[doesn’t] talk much” (144), discomfiting everyone with her candor. The siblings notice Anthony’s bad temper and tease him about it, to Simon and Daphne’s amusement. Violet manages the chaos with skill, astonishing everyone when she admits she knows Hyacinth has been hurling peas at the table. She invites Simon on a family outing to go boating in Greenwich. Simon is unable to deny her, and she assures him they may also visit the Royal Observatory. Simon has “the sinking sensation that his fate had just been sealed” (147).