The Secret of a Rake

Year after year, the debauched gentleman and charmer Michael Sterling, who had lost count of his victories, hid behind his showy cheerfulness the deep wound of a secret love for Francesca Bridgerton—the faithful and virtuous wife of his cousin, the Earl of Kilmartin.

But the cousin died suddenly—and now Michael inherits all of his property, the earldom, and along with it the long-awaited chance to win Francesca. Yet, tormented by guilt for taking the cousin’s place, Michael drives away even the thought of seducing the widow. And besides, she herself treats him strictly as a friend.