Daphne quietly disappears after Bridgerton season 2's opening scene, and here's when she appears again throughout the second season. The first book from Julia Quinn as well as the first season of Netflix's hit series Bridgerton focused on Daphne coming out to society and finding a husband. After a strenuous season, Daphne eventually married and had a son with Simon, the Duke of Hastings — and she ultimately became the Duchess.
The thing is, while Daphne and Simon were undoubtedly two of the most popular characters from Bridgerton season 1, they're sidelined in season 2 because the story follows Anthony Bridgerton and his quest to find a wife. Bridgerton season 2 is based on Quinn's second book, The Viscount Who Loved Me, and in it, Daphne and Simon aren't the main focuses. That doesn't mean they're not relevant to the story at all, however.
Although Rege-Jean Page's Simon doesn't appear in Bridgerton season 2, Phoebe Dynevor's Daphne does; in fact, she's the first person to show up on-screen in the second season, presumably as a way to bridge the gap between season 1 and 2. It allows viewers to acclimate themselves to the new story more easily instead of outright ignoring Daphne. But when does Daphne reappear in Bridgerton season 2 — and does she at all?
When Daphne Appears Again After Bridgerton Season 2's Opening Scene
Daphne does indeed reappear in Bridgerton season 2, but sporadically and only when the story calls for it. She mentions that she's left her husband at home with her son and even admits that's where she should be as well, so it's understandable that she doesn't stick around for too long. Here's every time Daphne appears in Bridgerton season 2 (NO spoilers — details are very minor to avoid giving anything meaningful away):
Episode 1 - Of course, Daphne appears in the opening scene with Eloise and the rest of the Bridgerton family.
Episode 3 - Daphne joins the family at Aubrey Hall and appears throughout the episode, but again, she's not the main focus.
Episode 4 - Daphne appears at various times throughout the episode, but particularly in the opening minutes, midway through, and again towards the end.
Episode 6 - Daphne shows up a few times in the first half, but mostly seen briefly or in the background.
Episode 8 - Daphne only appears once in the season 2 finale, showing up at the very end when the Bridgerton family returns to Aubrey Hall.
Why Daphne Is Hardly In Bridgerton Season 2
It's unfortunate that Daphne doesn't appear more in Bridgerton season 2, but she was never going to be the focal point of the story; it was always supposed to be about her brother, Anthony. In fact, this is how all of the Bridgerton seasons will go — each one will be about a different sibling. Daphne only appears in season 2 when the story needs her perspective — either as Anthony's brother or a woman who has gone through London's courtship season before. Because those moments come at Aubrey Hall, that's why she's on-screen primarily in the middle part of the season. Appearing at the start and end, as well as at the wedding, makes sense because that's when the entire family is together; it would be strange for her not to appear. Hopefully she returns in Bridgerton season 3 — perhaps with her husband as well.