April Fools' Day may have just been yesterday, but the news of the Duke of Hastings' departure from Bridgerton is no joke. Indeed, the Bridgerton social media accounts announced this morning that Regé-Jean Page will not appear in is Brigerton Season 2, and Variety confirmed the news with a statement from the actor himself, stating that Simon had completed his arc with a "beginning, middle, and end." So what does Simon's departure from Bridgerton mean for Season 2?

Well, we know that the second season will largely revolve around Daphne's eldest brother, Anthony Bridgerton, as is the case with Julia Quinn's series of Bridgerton novels. And while fans hoped that Anthony's own love story wouldn't mean the end of Season 1's between Daphne and Simon, it seems that it very well could be completely retired to the background. Here's how I think it could play out.

Daphne As A "Wife and Sister," But Not Mother?

Amongst the news that Page wouldn't be returning, Lady Whistledown's letter to hungry readers did comment on Daphne's storyline in the second season, noting she will "remain a devoted wife and sister, helping her brother navigate the upcoming social season and what it has to offer."

It's curious that Lady Whistledown's latest only describes Daphne as a "wife and sister" rather than "new mother," since the final moments of her story in Season 1 welcome the arrival of her and Simon's newborn child. So when she comes to visit Anthony and the Bridgerton brood, will she be leaving her child back at Clyvedon with a wet nurse? Will Lady Danbury step in to help with grandmother-ing duties in honor of her friendship with Simon's late mother?