Simon Bassett

Simon Bassett is the male lead in the first book of the bridgerton series The Duke and I

He is the son of The Duke of Hastings, and inherited the title when his father died

1813
Longing for peace away from the Mothers whom were Desperate to see their daughter marry a duke. Agrees to an arrangement with Daphne Bridgerton where he would pretend to court her so that he may enjoy his stay in London and in his eyes men always wanted a taken woman. Overtime the two actually fall in love. They kiss in a garden during a ball- but his friend from college and also Daphne's brother Anthony Bridgerton sees. Demanding Simon marry Daphne. When Simon refused Daphne She believed that he had hated her but that couldn't be further from the truth. He informed her at the duel that he had refused to marry her as he cant have children and that was one of her dreams was to be a mother.

They end up getting married regardless of his wish not to have children. Eventually Dahne helps him get over it and have 5 children together. Often regarded as one of the most devoted Marriages in the book

1824
Simon held the ball in which Lady Whistledown's identity was revealed