BRIDGERTON: “THE DUKE AND I” by Julia Quinn

I read a news that NETFLIX is producing a movie based on the novel written by Julia Quinn “The duke and I.” Because I am very impressed with everything NETFLIX did so far, I decided to read it.

I was not sorry!

I really liked the story of how Julia Quinn, a writer I did not know anything about, has started to write novels.
Her father, also a writer, wanted for his 14 years old daughter to read “The Count of Monte Cristo” or “Crime and Punishment”. But, 14 years old, Julia has been discovered the Harlequins series; therefore, she was addicted to the love stories she was reading.
When her father is asking her why she chose those books to read, her answers is for the pleasure of reading. But, when her father insists on asking for another reason, Julia is saying that she plans to write love stories for teenagers. Therefore she is doing research by reading the Harlequins’ series.
Thus, Julia started writing her books.

To respect her father’s conviction, Julia is writing all her books with wise words, intricate plots, and believable personages.

“The birth of Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset, Earl Clyvedon, was met with great celebration. Church bells rang for hours, champagne flowed freely through the gargantuan castle that the newborn would call home, and the entire village of Clyvedon quit work to partake of the feast and holiday ordered by the young earl’s father.
For Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset would not spend his life as Earl Clyvedon. That was a mere courtesy title. Simon Arthur Henry Fitzranulph Basset – the baby who possessed more names than any baby could possibly need – was the heir to one of England’s oldest and richest dukedoms. And his father, the ninth Duke of Hastings, had waited years for this moment.”

“- Why isn’t he talking?
– I don’t know, Nurse answered, wringing her hands.
– What have you done to him?
– I haven’t done anything.
– If you’d be doing your job correctly, he – the duke jabbed and angry finger in Simon’s direction – would be speaking. He’s four years old, God damn it, the duke roared. He should be able to speak.
– He can write, Nurse said quickly. Five children I’ve raised, and not a one of them took to letters the way Master Simon has.
– A fat lot of good writing is going to do him if he can’t talk.
Hastings turned to Simon, rage burning in his eyes.
– Talk to me, damn you!
– NO!
Simon’s fists balled at his sides, and his little chin jutted out as he said, – Don’t you h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-
The duke’s face turned deadly pale. – What is he saying?
Simon attempted the sentence again. – D-d-d-d-d-d-d-d-
– My God, the duke breathed, horrified. He’s a moron.
– He’s not a moron! Nurse cried out, throwing her arms around the boy.
– Hastings is going to go to a half-wit, the duke moaned. All those years of praying for an heir, and now it’s all for ruin. I should have let the title go to my cousin… I can’t even look at him, he gasped. – I can’t even bear to look at him.
And with that, the duke stalked out of the room.
Nurse hugged the boy close. – You’re not an idiot, she whispered fiercely. – You’re the smartest little boy I know. And if anyone can learn to talk properly, I know it’s you.
Simon turned into her warm embrace and sobbed.
– We’ll show him, Nurse vowed. He’ll eat his words if it’s the last thing I do.”

Kindle, 2020