Warning! SPOILERS for Bridgerton season 2.
Simon's absence from Bridgerton season 2 doesn't hurt Daphne's story—in fact, it actually makes it better. When Regé-Jean Page announced he would not be returning for the second season, the news caused a stir, especially since Simon was a beloved character. However, Simon's exit from the show is a benefit to Daphne's story in Bridgerton season 2.
In the opening scene of Bridgerton season 2, episode 1, Daphne explains Simon's absence by saying he is at home with their son, August. However, Daphne still appears throughout the season, first to help Eloise to prepare for her society debut and later as a source of advice for Anthony. Daphne is incredibly close to the rest of the Bridgerton family, so her continued appearance throughout the season makes sense.
Simon's absence makes Daphne's story better because it allows her to shine as her own character. Daphne isn't in Bridgerton season 2 a lot, but when she is, her appearances are always meaningful. Without Simon around, Daphne's story allows the show to look at her role within the Bridgerton family. In her interactions with her mother and siblings, especially Anthony, it is clear just how much Daphne cares for her family. In Bridgerton season 2, Daphne and Anthony are at odds because Daphne takes issue with her brother marrying Edwina out of a sense of familial duty—even though he really has feelings for Kate. This conflict provides a deeper look into the dynamic between Daphne and Anthony and adds some interesting drama to Bridgerton season 2. Daphne only wants the best for her brother and is perhaps the only one in the family perceptive enough to see that Kate would be a better match for Anthony. She is the perfect person to give her brother counsel since she went through the social season before and also experienced a forbidden love with Simon. Bridgerton season 2 shows that even in the Duke's absence, Daphne is still an important part of the story.
Daphne's story is also improved by Simon's absence, because it allows her to be someone who isn't defined by her romance. She does make references to Simon and offers glimpses into what their marriage is like, but Daphne's appearances in Bridgerton season 2 are not defined by him. Daphne is especially great in Bridgerton season 2, episode 3, when she arrives at the Bridgerton family's ancestral home, Aubrey Hall. She shines as someone friendly, witty, and competitive while playing pall-mall with her siblings and the Sharma sisters. Daphne's romance with Simon is great, but it is important to remember that she has her own identity outside of her love interest. Though Daphne has limited screen time in Bridgerton season 2, the show does a decent job of showing she can thrive as a character without Simon.
Simon is a compelling character but Daphne's story in Bridgerton season 2 doesn't suffer due to his absence. In fact, without Simon around, Daphne gets more moments to shine on her own and have her own identity outside of her romantic relationship. Hopefully, Daphne will make more appearances in future seasons, even if Simon doesn't.