The Duke and I

Daphne attends Lady Trowbridge’s ball, upset by Simon’s absence. Anthony insists that Simon leave space in Daphne’s social calendar for her to find a real partner. Daphne hopes that her marriage will eventually restore the amity between them. Daphne reflects that Simon’s new nickname, “The Devastating Duke’ (176), is accurate, as she has fallen in love despite herself. When they are together, Simon seems comfortable and less prone to silence, hinting at his attraction even while asserting he will never marry. Colin asks Daphne if she is hiding from the crowd, hinting he knows of Daphne’s affections for Simon. Daphne thinks Colin is teasing when he declares Simon is approaching, but then Simon arrives.

Colin leaves, and Daphne explains to Simon that Lady Whistledown has made note of his lack of calls to her home. Daphne complains that she is besieged with questions about him, and mentions meeting the Duke of Middlethorpe, who praised Simon’s father. Simon freezes, outraged, and Daphne starts to storm off, upset that he will not explain his anger. He stops her, struggling for words, and finally explains that the topic is difficult for him. Daphne suggests, somewhat scandalously, that they go for a walk on the terrace alone.

Before they can leave, the elderly Duke of Middlethorpe appears and explains he was a friend of Simon’s father. Middlethorpe promised to give Simon a cache of letters. Simon, so overcome he can barely speak and afraid he will stutter, tells Middlethorpe to burn the letters and storms off. Middlethorpe asks Daphne to keep the letters, as he may die soon, and she reluctantly agrees. Daphne follows Simon outside, telling him that she came to see the night sky to diffuse the tension. Simon tells her that the constellations in the Southern Hemisphere are different, and how jarring this was to experience. Daphne reflects that she is not an adventurer, happy with her life in England. Realizing that Simon wants to kiss her, she persuades him to walk in the estate garden. Simon protests, but Daphne knows he feels the chemistry between them, and he follows her into the garden, where they finally kiss.

Simon declares to himself that kissing Daphne is now “a matter of self-preservation […] If he did not kiss her now […] he would die” (197). Simon kisses her passionately, realizing Daphne welcomes his advances. As Simon pulls down Daphne’s dress, Anthony finds them together. Enraged, Anthony attacks Simon. Daphne tries to intervene, fearful for Simon’s life, but is knocked into a garden hedge. Simon pulls her out, and Anthony gives her his coat as her dress is ruined. Once she is settled, Anthony punches Simon. Simon rises, inviting another hit, and tells Anthony he will leave for Europe rather than marry Daphne as custom requires.

Anthony insists that they must duel, and Simon agrees, though he indicates that he will die rather than shoot at Anthony. Daphne is stunned and hurt by Simon’s determination to die rather than marry her. Simon prevails upon Anthony to let him speak further and declares, “If it could be anyone it would be you. But marriage to me would destroy you. I could never give you what you want. You’d die a little every day, and it would kill me to watch” (207). Daphne allows Anthony to take her home, insisting that she has much to consider.