The Duke and I

Simon agrees to the marriage, but interrupts Daphne’s exclamations of joy to insist that she hear his reasons for resisting her before she decides. He tells her they will not become parents if they marry, saying, “I cannot have children […] You need to understand that” (228). Daphne appears anguished and indecisive, but when Anthony comes to check on her, she informs him the wedding will be happening. When Simon asks if she is sure, Daphne tells him he is “worth it.”

Daphne is exhausted, unable to match her family’s elation at her forthcoming nuptials. Violet decides the engagement will be short to avoid gossip. Daphne assumes that Simon’s explanation means he is infertile and comforts herself that he might be wrong. Still, she resolves not to bring it up given his previous vehemence. Violet congratulates Daphne on marrying a fine man she truly loves, and Daphne is surprised that her feelings are so transparent to her mother.

At home, Simon marvels that Daphne feels so strongly for him that she has accepted life without children. He feels gratified at the idea that she may truly love him. Anthony arrives and expresses regret over their damaged friendship, but also that Simon’s behavior has justified his doubts about their courtship scheme. When Anthony mentions the possibility that Simon will break Daphne’s spirit, Simon wonders, “Did Anthony somehow see the darkest corners of his soul? The anguish and fury he tried so hard to keep hidden?” (236). Anthony leaves. Simon considers his physical desire for Daphne, and the impossibility of their predicament, since a life without children is bound to cause her pain.

Simon avoids Daphne during their weeklong engagement. She learns he has refused her dowry, and Anthony wounds her unknowingly when he suggests the dowry could benefit her children. Two days before the wedding, Daphne feels nervous about Simon’s impending arrival, hoping that the easy companionship between them may someday return.

Simon arrives to give Daphne an engagement ring, but she angers him by asking if it was part of his inheritance. When he is calmer, Simon declares that he chose the gold-and-emerald ring especially for Daphne. Simon contemplates his own regrets that their relationship is tenser than before. Simon puts the ring on her finger, and the contact between them reminds Daphne of the strength of her attraction. Simon explains he chose emerald for the hint of green around her eyes. They banter back and forth about each of them being “always right,” and Daphne hopes that they will be comfortable together again. Simon reassures her, privately hoping that he can be a good husband and justify his assurances to Anthony.

Later, Violet awkwardly tries to explain sexual intercourse to Daphne who, as befits women of her background, knows nothing about procreation. Violet gives a vague explanation about sharing a bed, which Daphne already knows, and that the ensuing activities may be unwelcome to some women, but that the genuine love between Daphne and Simon might make for “a very lovely and special moment” (250). Violet tries to flee, unwilling to say more, but Daphne pulls her back. Violet blushes and assures Daphne that more details are not necessary, as Daphne has the same amount of information Violet once did, and that acquiescing to Simon’s desires regularly will lead to children. Lady Bridgerton also reluctantly admits that people have sex for pleasure. Daphne asks if this is like kissing for pleasure, and Violet becomes outraged when Daphne reveals she has kissed Simon. Placated by the impending wedding, Violet flees. Daphne wonders if Simon is incapable of consummating their marriage, very upset she has no further information to work with.

At the wedding, Violet and Anthony are emotional. Daphne thinks it is a good sign that Simon recites his vows with deliberation. Gregory has a sneezing fit, so that Simon kisses Daphne and then both of them burst into laughter. Hyacinth declares it a good omen, and Violet agrees. A rumor soon spreads that “the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings were the most blissfully happy and devoted couple to be married in decades” (255).