The Duke and I

The next day, Daphne finds Simon in his study, still decorated as it was when his father was alive. After awkward small talk, she insists they discuss the previous evening. Simon insists she should have recognized his determination never to marry, as he was ready to die rather than do so and he knew denying her children would make her unhappy. He ignores Daphne’s point that he could make his own happy family, and when Daphne reiterates that he lied, Simon insists that there is no difference between his refusal and infertility, as when it comes to children, “my soul won’t allow it” (318). Daphne realizes Simon cannot be reasoned out of his anger and leaves. Alone, Simon justifies himself by insisting he tried to warn Daphne. He claims it was not his fault she assumed he was infertile. Simon decides he is within his rights to lecture her, but discovers she is not in their shared bedroom, but has locked herself in her private rooms.

Daphne lets Simon in after he threatens to break down the door but insists she will no longer permit him to share her bed. Simon is furious, but Daphne declares that because he holds himself back from her she has the same prerogative.