Sylvia Day
The Stranger I Married
© 2007
This book is gratefully dedicated to Editorial Goddess Kate Duffy. There are numerous reasons why I think she’s fabulous-from the biggies like being the first editor to buy my work, to the smaller (but no less important) things like being generous with her praise.
Kate,
How lucky I am to write for you.
Your enthusiasm for our work together is such a gift. I’m thankful every day to have found you right at the beginning of my career. You have taught me so much, and given me so many opportunities to grow. You allow me to write the stories in my heart, and you’ve shown me how wonderful the editor/author relationship can be.
Thank you so much.
Sylvia
Acknowledgments
As always, huge thanks and hugs go out to my critique partner, Annette McCleave (www.AnnetteMcCleave.com). She keeps me on my toes, and I love her for it.
Much love goes out to my agents Deidre Knight and Pamela Harty. I am blessed, honored, and grateful to work with you both.
And the Allure Authors (www.AllureAuthors.com) for supporting me and my work. The Allure gals have a true sisterhood, and it means a great deal to me.
Prologue
London, 1815
“Do you truly intend to steal your best friend’s mistress?”
Gerard Faulkner, the sixth Marquess of Grayson, kept his eyes on the woman in question, and smiled. Those who knew him well also knew that look, and its wicked portent. “I certainly do.”
“Dastardly,” Bartley muttered. “Too low even for you, Gray. Is it not sufficient to cuckold Sinclair? You know how Markham feels about Pel. He’s lost his head over her.”