The Duke And I by Julia Quinn PDF

Prologue

The birth of Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset, Earl Clyvedon, was

met with great celebration. Church bells rang for hours, champagne flowed

freely through the gargantuan castle that the newborn would call home, and

the entire village of Clyvedon quit work to partake of the feast and holiday

ordered by the young earl's father.

“This,” the baker said to the blacksmith, “is no ordinary baby.”

For Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset would not spend his life as Earl

Clyvedon. That was a mere courtesy title. Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph

Basset—the baby who possessed more names than any baby could possibly

need—was the heir to one of England's oldest and richest dukedoms. And

his father, the ninth Duke of Hastings, had waited years for this moment.

As he stood in the hall outside his wife's confinement room, cradling the

squalling infant, the duke's heart near burst with pride. Already several

years past forty, he had watched his cronies—dukes and earls, all—beget

heir after heir. Some had had to suffer through a few daughters before siring

a precious son, but in the end, they'd all been assured that their lines would

continue, that their blood would pass forward into the next generation of

England's elite.

But not the Duke of Hastings. Though his wife had managed to conceive

five times in the fifteen years of their marriage, only twice had she carried

to full term, and both of those infants had been stillborn. After the fifth

pregnancy, which had ended with a bloody miscarriage in the fifth month,

surgeons and physicians alike had warned their graces that they absolutely

must not make another attempt to have a child. The duchess's very life was

in danger. She was too frail, too weak, and perhaps, they said gently, too

old. The duke was simply going to have to reconcile himself to the fact that

the dukedom would pass out of the Basset family.

But the duchess, God bless her, knew her role in life, and after a six-month

recuperative period, she opened the connecting door between their

bedrooms, and the duke once again commenced his quest for a son.

Five months later, the duchess informed the duke that she had conceived.

The duke's immediate elation was tempered by his grim determination that

nothing—absolutely nothing—would cause this pregnancy to go awry. The

duchess was confined to her bed the minute it was realized that she'd missed

her monthly courses. A physician was brought in to visit her every day, and

halfway through the pregnancy, the duke located the most respected doctor

in London and paid him a king's ransom to abandon his practice and take up

residence at Clyvedon Castle temporarily.

The duke was taking no chances this time. He would have a son, and the

dukedom would remain in Basset hands.

The duchess experienced pains a month early, and pillows were tucked

under her hips. Gravity might keep the babe inside, Dr. Stubbs explained.

The duke thought that a sound argument, and, once the doctor had retired

for the evening, placed yet another pillow under his wife, raising her to a

twenty-degree angle. She remained that way for a month.

And then finally, the moment of truth arrived. The household prayed for the

duke, who so wanted an heir, and a few remembered to pray for the

duchess, who had grown thin and frail even as her belly had grown round

and wide. They tried not to be too hopeful—after all, the duchess had

already delivered and buried two babes. And even if she did manage to

safely deliver a child, it could be, well, a girl.

As the duchess's screams grew louder and more frequent, the duke shoved

his way into her chamber, ignoring the protests of the doctor, the midwife,

and her grace's maid. It was a bloody mess, but the duke was determined to

be present when the babe's sex was revealed.

The head appeared, then the shoulders. All leaned forward to watch as the

duchess strained and pushed, and then…

And then the duke knew that there was a God, and He still smiled on the

Bassets. He allowed the midwife one minute to clean the babe, then took

the little boy into his arms and marched into the great hall to show him off.

Overview

The Duke And I by Julia Quinn

The Duke And I by Julia Quinn is a captivating historical romance set in Regency-era England. The story follows Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family, as she navigates the complexities of society and her quest for love. When she meets Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, their relationship begins with a fake courtship that soon evolves into something deeper. Themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth are woven throughout the narrative, making it a favorite among fans of romance literature. This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with rich historical details and emotional depth. Key Points Explores the romantic tension between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Set in Regency-era England, highli…

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FAQs

What is the significance of Simon's birth in 'The Duke And I'?

Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset, the heir to the dukedom, is celebrated with great fanfare at his birth, marking a pivotal moment for the Duke of Hastings, who had long desired a son. The birth is seen as a miracle after the duke and duchess faced multiple stillborn pregnancies, heightening the emotional stakes of Simon's arrival. The duke's joy is palpable as he announces, 'I have a son!' to the gathered crowd, reflecting his deep desire to secure the family lineage.

How does the Duke of Hastings react to Simon's speech difficulties?

The Duke of Hastings is initially furious and horrified when he discovers that Simon struggles to speak, believing his son to be 'a moron.' His anger leads to a moment of crisis, where he expresses regret and despair over Simon's condition. This reaction highlights the duke's emotional turmoil and the pressure he feels regarding his heir's capabilities, revealing a complex father-son dynamic that evolves throughout the story.

What role does Nurse Hopkins play in Simon's development?

Nurse Hopkins plays a crucial role in Simon's life, dedicating herself to helping him overcome his speech difficulties after the duke abandons him emotionally. She provides constant support, encouragement, and instruction, which gradually helps Simon improve his speech. Her unwavering belief in Simon's intelligence and potential contrasts sharply with the duke's harsh criticism, showcasing the nurturing bond that develops between them.

What challenges does Simon face in his early childhood?

Simon faces significant challenges in his early childhood, particularly regarding his inability to speak fluently. The emotional neglect from his father exacerbates his struggles, as the duke's disappointment leads to a lack of support. Additionally, Simon's determination to learn to speak despite his difficulties showcases his resilience and intelligence, as he works diligently with Nurse Hopkins to improve his communication skills.

How does the Duke of Hastings' perception of Simon change over time?

Initially, the Duke of Hastings views Simon's speech difficulties as a source of shame and disappointment, believing that his son is not worthy of the family legacy. However, as Simon grows and begins to overcome his challenges, the duke's perception shifts. The story hints at a potential reconciliation as Simon seeks to connect with his father, suggesting a gradual change in the duke's understanding of his son's worth beyond mere expectations.