The Duke and I Summary

In the late 18th century, a Duke was overjoyed when, after a series of misfortunes in childbirth, his wife finally bore him a son, Simon Basset. However, the joy was short-lived as his wife didn't survive the childbirth and Simon was left to the care of a nurse. Over the years, the Duke was disappointed in his son's development, particularly his stutter, and consequently, Simon was rejected by his father. Despite this, Simon grew up determined not to be like his father and eventually inherited the title of Duke of Hastings.

Fast forward to 1813, Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of a large family, was in search of the perfect husband - someone she genuinely loved. However, most men saw her as a friend, not a potential wife. During a ball, Simon, the new Duke, noticed Daphne for the first time when she had an altercation with a persistent suitor. In order to avoid the pressures of society, they decided to orchestrate a fake courtship to make Daphne more attractive to other suitors, and Simon less bothered by women seeking to marry him. Despite their pact to keep their relationship platonic, they grew attracted to each other.

The attraction grew and at a ball, the two shared a kiss which was discovered by Daphne's brother, Anthony. Outraged, he insisted that Simon marry Daphne. However, Simon was adamant that he could not marry Daphne or have children, which would destroy her dreams. But faced with the possibility of a ruined reputation, Daphne insisted on marrying him, even if it meant not having children. They married and had intimate relations, where Daphne suspected that Simon was deliberately avoiding getting her pregnant. A confrontation occurred, resulting in Simon leaving Daphne. However, Daphne later suspected she was pregnant leading to Simon's return. Though it was a false alarm, it prompted Simon to reevaluate his decision not to have children, and he decided to live for his own happiness and not to spite his father. Four years later, they had four children together, proving Simon's capacity to love his children, contrary to the model set by his own father.