A scene from “Unfinished Business”

Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings: 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, Duke of Hastings: I presume she'll deem us to be what we are. Me, unavailable. You, desirable.