The Duke and I

Instead of a honeymoon abroad, Daphne and Simon plan to spend several weeks at his family home, Clyvedon Castle. Simon surprises her after the wedding by announcing they begin their journey that night, but agrees to stop at an inn for dinner when he realizes how nervous Daphne is about spending their wedding night on the road. Daphne tells herself all will be well despite her anxiety about Simon’s possible impotence. Simon worries about what he cannot give Daphne, including “true and complete happiness” (261). He struggles to engage in conversation because he is consumed with desire.

When they arrive at the inn, Daphne waits for Simon to book their rooms, but joins him once she realizes an argument is underway. Simon is upset because only one room is available, which Daphne interprets a desire to be apart from her. They arrive in the room, and Daphne confesses she may be too nervous to eat. Simon assures her consummating their marriage can wait until they arrive at the castle, but he is struck speechless by arousal when Daphne informs him she “wouldn’t mind” doing so at the inn. Daphne, however, soon looks injured and upset by Simon’s silence, and she apologizes for not making allowances for his impotence.