By all accounts, Simon Bassett was about to propose to his best friend's sister,
The sweetest girl on the verge of spinsterhood - Daphne Bridgerton.
But they both know the truth – that it's all just an elaborate plan to keep Simon away from mothers who are preoccupied with their daughters' marriages. As for Daphne,
She would certainly attract some worthy suitors now that the Duke had expressed his desire for her.
But as she waltzed with Simon from ballroom to ballroom, it was hard to remember that their courtship was all an elaborate ruse.
Maybe it was his devilish smile, but it was definitely the way his eyes burned with longing every time he looked at her,
The most important thing is that somehow Daphne was falling in love with the handsome duke, truly in love!