'Bridgerton': How Regé-Jean Page's Absence Is Addressed in Season 2

etonline.com:

Regé-Jean Page would not be returning for the new season, the popular Regency drama wasted no time acknowledging the Duke's absence.In the opening minute (or rather, opening seconds) of the first episode, newlywed and new mother Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) makes her way to the Bridgerton family home in a gilded carriage.

At first, it's unclear why she's returned to the estate. But, as it's quickly revealed, it's because her younger sister, Eloise (Claudia Jessie), is preparing for her first debut season as an eligible bachelorette.«Do you realize I left my husband and child at home for this?» Daphne says when she arrives at the family home, eagerly awaiting — alongside her siblings — outside Eloise's door as the clock ticks down for the all-important meeting before the Queen.

Moments later, Eloise unwillingly opens the door, revealing herself in a fancy gown, matching cape and feather headpiece.«Don't say a word,» Eloise demands of her brothers and sisters, who look at her shell-shocked at the rare sight before they all gather at the Queen's estate so she can suss out the season's newest «diamond.»So, if anyone was wondering how was going to address the lack of Simon Basset in season 2, the answer to that question was quickly answered in Daphne's brief remark.Page shocked fans when it was revealed last April he would not be reprising his role for the sophomore installment, an unexpected development that made waves considering how closely tied the character is to Daphne and Anthony, who is Simon's closest friend.

Though season 2 is loosely based on Julia Quinn's best-selling sequel, , and refocuses the central romance on Anthony, Simon still remains a presence in the books throughout the majority of the book.