10 Best Simon Basset moments from Bridgerton

Netflix’s Bridgerton premiered in December 2020 and has become one of the most beloved romance dramas. Based on Julia Quin’s novel series, the show is set in regency-era England and follows the story of the eight siblings of the Bridgerton family as they find love.

In the first season, viewers are introduced to the love story of Daphne Bridgerton, played by Pheobe Dynevor, and Regé-Jean Page’s Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Their love story blossomed through their friendship which formed in an unusual situation when they pretended to be courting each other. With banter and romantic moments, they showed the fans their compassionate love and their burn for each other.

Page’s Simon Basset was introduced as the most eligible bachelor in London and through several moments he proved why he was the most desirable among the other men. In this article, we list 10 of the best Simon Basset moments from Bridgerton.

1) Simon suggested Daphne the plan of pretending to be in love

Scene from Bridgerton | Image via Shondaland

In season 1 of Bridgerton, Daphne struggles to find a suitable match for herself but her brother Anthony Bridgerton ( Jonathan Bailey) doesn’t let anyone get close to her, except Nigel Berbrooke. On the other hand, Simon had all the attention of the women who wanted to win his heart but he did not want to get married.

To solve both of their problems, Simon comes up with a plan of them pretending to be together. This could lead the women away, as they would think he is already taken, and lure the men toward Daphne, as courting the Duke will make her more desirable to men.

2) Simon and Daphne’s first dance

After they decide to pretend to court each other, Daphne and Simon dance together for the first time. Simon tells Daphne if they want people to believe their act, they have to appear madly in love with each other.

Unbeknownst to them, their chemistry is undeniable in the dance as they appear to enjoy each other’s company and seem comfortable together.

3) Simon tells Anthony about Nigel

Regé-Jean Page in Bridgerton | Image via Shondaland

Anthony Bridgerton gets annoyed by Simon and Daphne’s closeness as he doesn’t know that it was an act and because he wants Daphne to court Nigel Berbrooke. As he confronts Simon and asks him to stay away from his sister, Simon tells him that Nigel tried to misbehave with Daphne so she punched him to save herself.

4) Simon's jealousy at seeing Daphne and Prince Friedrich together

After Daphne and Prince Friedrich start to spend time together, Simon looks visibly upset but doesn’t say anything. After initially pushing her away, Simon starts having feelings for Daphne.

When he encounters Daphne at the boxing match with the Prince, they stare intently at each other for the whole game.

5) Simon kisses Daphne in the garden

By episode 4, Simon and Daphne have feelings of attraction towards each other but don't act upon them. Simon being afraid of facing his feelings, tells Daphne that he’s leaving London. Daphne informs him that she will get married to the Prince but doesn’t get any reaction out of him. Frustratingly, she leaves in the middle of the ball and goes into the garden with Simon following behind.

As he tries to stop her from going any further, he holds her hand and kisses her. However, he immediately regrets it and asks for forgiveness and they end up in a passionate kiss until Anthony catches them.

6) Simon and Anthony's duel

After Anthony witnesses Daphne and Simon’s kiss in the garden, the Viscount asks his friend to marry his sister to save her honor. However, Simon refuses and Anthony challenges him to a duel to defend his sister's honor.

During the duel, Simon gives up his shot and shoots in the air, giving Anthony a clear chance to kill him before Daphne comes and stops them.

Although Simon refuses to marry Daphne, he cannot deny his love for her and still is conflicted with his emotions.

7) Simon tells why he can't marry Daphne

As Daphne comes and stops the duel, she asks Simon if he thinks so lowly of her that he can't marry her. Simon confesses to her that he cannot marry her because he wants her to have a good life with the family that she so desires, which he cannot give her.

This is one of the first moments where the viewers get to see the Duke’s vulnerable side.

8) Simon's speech in front of the Queen

To get married as soon as possible, Simon and Daphne plead with the queen declaring their love for each other. Daphne tells the queen that it was love at first sight. But Simon cuts her off and goes on to give a heartfelt speech about falling in love with Daphne and finding love in friendship.

This moment showed a different side of the stoic and repressed Simon Bassett. His declaration of love for Daphne is among the best scenes of the show.

9) Simon and Daphne reveal their true feelings for each other

After their marriage, they leave for Simon’s estate and stay at an inn for the night during their travel. Simon reserves two separate rooms for them as he thinks Daphne might not want to spend time with him in this unwanted marriage. Daphne confronts Simon about not spending time with her.

Simon then confesses that he has always been hers and that’s why he followed her to the garden. To which Daphne tells him she knew he would follow her that’s why she went into the garden and then delivers the iconic dialogue, “I burn for you.”

10) Simon keeps the Bridgerton tradition going

In the season 1 epilogue, Daphne gives birth to their first child. Simon holds the baby as Daphne tells him that he has to name the child. He looks at Violet Bridgerton and tells her that the name should start with an A to keep the family traditions alive as they both share a heartfelt smile.

They name their first child Augie Basset.