The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)

by Julia Quinn

“Aren’t we betrothed?” She blushed. “Yes, of course.”

“It was my impression that men were supposed to visit their betrothed.”

“I believe betrothal rings are considered quite de rigueur,”

“That it was a betrothal ring? What did you think it was?”

He’d never given her a gift before. She’d been so taken aback by the gesture she’d completely forgotten that he owed her a betrothal ring.

“I thought you might like something of your own. All of the Hastings jewelry was chosen for someone else. This I chose for you.”

Men did so hate to be called sweet.

a stunning band of white gold, adorned with a large marquis-cut emerald, flanked on either side by a single, perfect diamond.

Simon got Daphne an engagement ring, the ring reminds him of Daphne's eyes. Around the edge of her eyes, are green.

He hadn’t realized how much it meant to him that she liked the ring until that very moment. He hated that he felt so nervous around her when they’d been such easy friends for the past few weeks.

“How did you know I like emeralds?” she asked. “I didn’t,” he admitted. “They reminded me of your eyes.”

“Simon, my eyes are brown.” “They’re mostly brown,”

“I have green eyes.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to say—” “For today,” she interrupted, “I refuse to believe they are anything but green.”

“I was always so jealous of Colin. Such beautiful eyes wasted on a man.” “I’m sure the young ladies who fancy themselves...

The next evening—Daphne’s last night as Miss Bridgerton—Violet

The very next day, Daphne will become Daphne Basset. She will be a dutchess of Hastings now.

All her friends had told her that the night before one’s wedding, one’s mother delivered all the secrets of marriage.

“Yes, Simon will be my husband.”

“On your wedding night,” she began, “your husband will expect you to do your marital duty.”

“Your marriage must be consummated.”

unpleasant at all. If two people care for one another—and I believe that the duke cares for you very much—” “And I for him,”

“And you shouldn’t be nervous. I’m sure the duke will be very gentle.” Daphne thought of Simon’s scorching kiss. “Gentle” didn’t seem to apply.

“But what do I do?” “Your husband will know,”

Don’t be a nervous ninny, and do it enough so you’ll have a baby.”

Your marital duty—the, er, consummation, that is—is how you have a baby.”

“have you kissed the duke?”

Violet has no clue that Daphne has kissed Simon. And they are not even married, tomorrow they will be.

“Daphne Bridgerton, I cannot believe you would do such a thing. You know very well I warned you about allowing men such liberties!” “It hardly signifies now that we’re to be married!”

You’re to be married, and to a duke no less, and if he kissed you, well, then, that was to be expected.”

Violet had said that the marital act was a requirement for the creation of children. If Simon couldn’t have children, did that mean he couldn’t perform those intimacies her mother had mentioned?

And dash it all, what were those intimacies?

society seemed so determined to make sure that young ladies keep their...

And what of Simon? If he could not consummate the marriage, would it even be a marriage?

It was enough to make a new bride very apprehensive, indeed.

There were tears in her mother’s eyes (and then eventually on her face), and Anthony’s voice had been oddly hoarse when he stepped forward to give her away.

Her heart found comfort in this; no man who spoke his vows with such intensity could possibly view marriage as a mere convenience.

In just a moment, she would belong to this man forever.

I now pronounce you—

You may kiss the bride.

Simon grabbed her with almost desperate arms, his mouth crashing down on hers with a force that drew a collective gasp from the small assemblage of guests. And then both sets of lips—bride and groom—burst into laughter, even as they remained entwined.

Daphne and Simon are married now.

the new Duke and Duchess of Hastings were the most blissfully happy and devoted couple to be married in decades.

the wedding of the Duke of Hastings and the former Miss Bridgerton, while small, was most eventful. Miss Hyacinth Bridgerton (ten years of age) whispered to Miss Felicity Featherington (also aged ten) that the bride and groom actually laughed aloud during the ceremony.

Simon had made arrangements for them to spend several weeks at Clyvedon Castle,

Besides, she was oddly eager to see the place where Simon had grown up.

“We travel to Clyvedon.”

“Tonight?”

She had assumed they would embark on their journey the following day. The village of Clyvedon was located near Hastings, all the way ...

This was not the wedding night Daphne had envisioned.

Daphne thought on her wedding night, she wouldn't be traveling. She thought they would go the next day. Daphne and Simon's wedding night was not planned.

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to rest here in London for one night, and then travel on to Clyvedon?”

“Will we be stopping at an inn?” “Of course,” Simon replied. “We need to eat supper. It wouldn’t do for me to starve you on our first day of our marriage, would it?” “Will we be spending the night at this inn?”

he definitely wanted to. Moreover, he definitely wanted her. She hadn’t imagined the fire in his eyes or the fierce pounding of his heart that night in the gardens.

Her wedding night. The thought made her shiver.