Simon Basset: Perhaps there is an answer… to our collective Lady Whistledown issue. We could pretend to form an attachment. With you on my arm, the world will believe I’ve finally found my duchess. Every presumptuous mother in town will leave me alone, and every suitor will be looking at you. You must know men are always interested in a woman when they believe another, particularly a duke, to be interested as well.

Daphne Bridgerton: You presume Lady Whistledown…

Simon Basset: I presume she’ll deem us to be what we are. Me, unavailable. You… desirable. Stare into my eyes. Here. Closer. If this is to work, we must appear madly in love.

Daphne Bridgerton: It is an absurd plan.

Simon Basset: I find it quite brilliant. Provided you do not wish to marry me, and I do not wish to marry you, whatever should you have to lose?

From Bridgerton – Season 1 Episode 1: ‘Diamond of the First Water’ (1×01) | Produced by Netflix