The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)

by Julia Quinn

there are certain rules in society. Expectations.

“How can you not be nervous? For goodness’ sake, Daphne, this man is thinking of marrying you.”

Why else would he have danced with you last night? The only other lady he so honored was Penelope Featherington,

Simon Basset likes Daphne Bridgerton. He enjoys her company as well.

I long for the day her mother realizes that a girl of her complexion cannot be dressed in tangerine satin,

what are we to do about Hyacinth? Hastings will not expect a ten-year-old at the table.”

“Anthony told him we were dining as a family.” “Most families do not allow their younger children to dine with them,”

He has no family himself, so he has never experienced anything like a Bridgerton family dinner.”

I assure you that you don’t have to worry about Gregory putting creamed potatoes on Francesca’s chair again. I’m certain he has outgrown such childish behavior.” “He did it last week!”

“but perhaps I can threaten to sell his horse.” “He’ll never believe you.”

“Having children is such a challenge.”

I think Hastings might be an excellent match for you.”

Daphne, but I don’t want to see you married off to just anyone. I may introduce you to no end of eligible men, but that is only because I would like you to have as many suitors as possible from which to choose a husband.”

“It is my fondest dream to see you as happy as I was with your father.”

Maybe this plan with Hastings wasn’t such a good idea, after all. Violet was going to be crushed when they broke off their faux alliance.

It would be mortifying for Daphne to be thrown over by Simon,

Violet was going to think she was insane for letting him get away.

Simon had not been prepared for supper with the Bridgertons.

“may I trouble you for another helping of those delicious peas?” “Why certainly.” Violet shot an arch look at Gregory. “Notice how the duke is eating his peas.” Gregory ate his peas.

one of the other Bridgerton girls—Simon thought it might be Francesca, but it was hard to say. The two middle ones looked amazingly alike, right down to their light eyes, so like their mother’s.

“My dear children,” she said, “when will you learn that I know everything?”

Simon decided he had a great deal of respect for Violet Bridgerton.

“Then you must join us on our outing to Greenwich.”

Simon is invited to a Bridgerton family outing.

“Yes, we’ve been planning a family outing for several weeks now. We thought we’d take a boat, then perhaps have a picnic on the shores of the Thames.”

And Simon had the sinking sensation that his fate had just been sealed.

the entire Bridgerton family (plus one duke!) embarked upon a journey to Greenwich on Saturday.

the entire family—and the duke, of course—to Greenwich.

I thought that the purpose of our little charade was to shield you from the tender mercies of matchmaking mothers.”

“What, then, were your favorite subjects?” “Hmm? Oh, history and literature.

Daphne Bridgerton favorite subjects.

wondering if perhaps his lack of enthusiasm for history was due to his distaste for his dukedom and all the tradition that wrapped around it.

a man who is feigning a courtship to me, of all people, all because he’s too polite to refuse invitations from his friends’ new wives.”

“What do you mean, you of all people?”

Simon was so sweet when he was grumpy.

“I thought you were friends.” “We are friends. This is what friends do to one another.” “Men are mad.”

“I thought the primary rule of friendship was that one was not supposed to dally with one’s friend’s sister.”

“Ah, but I’m not dallying. I’m merely pretending to dally.”

“And it’s still killing him—even though he knows the truth of the matter.”

“I know.” Simon grinned. “Isn’t i...

“I haven’t my sea legs yet,”

with the wind catching her hair and painting her cheeks pink, she looked so enchantingly lovely that Simon nearly forgot to breathe.

and the sun glinted almost red on her hair.

with the fresh air swirling about them, she looked natural and beautiful and just being in her presence made S...

he would have kissed her. He knew he couldn’t dally with her, and he knew he would never marry her, and still he found himself leaning toward her.

Simon likes Daphne. He has feelings for her. Simon can't help himself around Daphne.

Anthony, unfortunately, caught the entire episode, and he rather brusquely insinuated himself between Simon and Daphne,

“As your eldest brother,” he growled, “I believe it is my honor to escort you ashore.”

If I’m forced to escort Eloise, I may have to swim back to London. She’s been a wretch ever since she attained the age of fourteen.”

Eloise’s fourteenth birthday was a year and a half ago.”

“There is nothing quite as exhausting as a Bridgerton family outing.”

Gregory, who was racing after Hyacinth, yelling something about mud and revenge.

“I have no siblings, after all.”

Simon Basset has no siblings, he is an only child.

I think I would be quite lonely without family.”