The Duke and I

Lady Whistledown notes Daphne’s early departure from the ball and implies that she did not leave due to illness.

Back at Bridgerton House, Daphne is haunted by the evening and desperate to prevent the duel. She hears the family carriage arrive and hopes Violet will not learn of the scandal until after Daphne convinces Simon to marry her.

Colin warns Daphne that his friend saw her with Simon and that Lady Danbury may also know. She assures Colin that Lady Danbury is far more likely to be direct than spread rumors, and he presses her for more of the story. Daphne explains that Simon does care for her, and she must make him see reason. Colin agrees to help when Daphne says the most important thing is to keep Simon alive. Later, Colin reveals the location of the duel to Daphne.

Simon arrives at Regent’s Park, resigned to his fate. When Anthony and Benedict arrive, Simon considers explaining his reluctance but decides  that “the Bridgertons, who only knew that family was good and kind and true” could never understand “the impossible feeling of rejection” (218). Daphne arrives just as Simon picks up a pistol, and Benedict agrees to let her speak with Simon.