When He Was Wicked / Julia Quinn 368 p.

When He Was Wicked / Julia Quinn 368 p.

Michael Stirling, London's most famous rake, tumbles head over heels in love with Francesca Bridgerton, 36 hours before she becomes his cousin's wife.  He is so good at keep his love hidden that he becomes her best friend and keeps his cousin as a friend too.  When Francesca's husband dies suddenly and unexpectedly, she is bereft.  Unable to cope with his new role as the Earl and continue as Francesca's friend, he leaves for India.  When he returns four years later, he finds himself still in love with her; wishing she would see beyond the rakish mask he wears.  They very slowly turn from best friends to romantics.