The Duke and I - Post Episode 8 stories

Simon says I love you

Simon's focus was clouded with racing thoughts, all about his wife, who he thought would no longer be so at the end of the night. The thought stung his heart so fiercely, just the thought alone of Daphne no longer being his caused him so much pain already. He wasn't just losing his wife, he would grieve for his best friend, his joy, purpose and soul. If only he could muster the words to properly express the severity and depth of his feelings towards Daphne, but every time the chance arose, they had been interrupted, or anger had stupidly taken over. But even now, she had just poured her heart to him and he couldn't muster the courage to say a single word. She had left him speechless, the words she spoke so fiercely yet full of passion were coursing through his veins like a drug. She loved him, all of him. The words he never thought he would hear, came from someone he wanted to hear it from most of all. Simon knew very well that he loves her too. A kind of love that is soul consuming, and no matter how angry he gets, it does not change a thing for him. Furthermore, he knows why he gets so angry when the topic of children comes up, because of his vow to his father, but also because of his bone chilling fear for the risk that comes with birth. His mother had endured it to gift his father with what he's always wanted, a son, who he never fathered in any sense. Her sacrifice meant nothing to him, and Simon would not lose Daphne like that. The most beautiful thing in his life was not going to be sacrificed, because it would surely kill him too. To put it simply, he loved her more than anything in the world, and would do anything to make her happy, which is why he had thought setting her free to find the man she needs is what he must do.

Simon was pulled from his thoughts when he heard a scream that sparked his nerves with an electric jolt that made all the hair on his body rise. It was Daphne. The drink in his hand fell to the ground, shattering the glass and sending pieces across the ballroom floor. Time froze for a moment as he struggled to process where the horrific shrill came from, and then Simon took off sprinting towards the east side of the garden. As he ran across the dance floor, he could now hear the cries of her mother from the same location Daphne's screams had come from. All he could think was no, no, no, please no. Daphne's cries had now become clearer as he got closer, and it was like getting punched in the gut as he imagined the possibilities of what had happened to her out here all alone. Why did he not chase after her again, and open his heart to her the same way she had? Idiot, he thought, I should be aware of my wife's whereabouts at all times. 

He sprinted around the tall rose bush and found Lady Bridgerton hovering over Daphne who was lying on the ground trembling "I need... Simon...I need him" through her tears. He rushed over to her, and choked back a scream when he saw the condition of his wife. The sleeves of her dress were torn, hanging by a thread, one of her usual rosy cheeks were bruised, the bottom half of her lip was bloodied, and worst of all, her throat had red marks that resembled hands. His head was spinning with emotions from anger over who did this, and desperation for her to be okay, but the anger was darkening and he could feel himself ready to explode. He would kill whoever did this. Just as he was getting lost in the fury he felt, the strained voice of his wife pleading "I need him," pulled him out of his head instantly. 

Simon fell to his knees and gently picked up her hand, entwined it with his own and kissed it every so lightly, as to not hurt her more, saying "I'm here my love."

Daphne turned her head to look away from her mother to him, her eyes clouded with not only tears, but hurt and longing, a longing for what Simon was unsure of. Just as quickly as he had dropped the glass when he heard her screaming, he realized he no longer wanted to be alone, and would do anything to keep Daphne with him, safe and showered with his love. They would get through it all, together. As calmly as he possibly could, he addressed Lady Bridgerton, "What the hell happened?"