At the birth of his son, the Duke of Hastings was jubilant. Alas, the child stutters! Unbearable affront to the duke, who mercilessly disowned him. The young Simon therefore grew up, lonely and thirsty for revenge. After brilliant studies, he traveled around the world until the death of his father, and it is now the bearer of a prestigious title that he returns to England where he is assailed by a horde of mothers ready for anything. to marry off their daughters. But Simon is not interested in beginners. Except maybe Daphne Bridgerton, whom he met in comical circumstances. Like Simon, she would like to be left in peace. A Machiavellian idea then arises in the duke's mind...