Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset

Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset is one of the central characters in this novel. He is the dynamic character as he comes to realize that continuing to refuse to have a family to punish his dead father is only punishing him.

Simon falls in love with Daphne on sight before he realizes that she is Anthony’s sister. Daphne is also attracted to Simon even after she learns his claim that he does not want to get married. Daphne believes that she can change Simon’s mind about marriage, but does not realize exactly what has motivated Simon to make this vow.

Because Simon believes he can give both himself and Daphne a break from the continual meeting of people looking for an ideal spouse, he suggests that they pretend to court one another. He proposes that if he fakes an interest in Daphne...