THE ABANDONED BRIDE The handsome, elegant Alexander Stewart, Viscount Merrick, wed young and innocent Miss Anne Parrish in haste—his hand forced by circumstance and honor. But now his duty was done—and it was Anne who had to repent at leisure. Merrick declared he would return to London to resume the pursuit of pleasure that Anne had so rudely interrupted. Anne for her part was free to enjoy the privileges of her new position—enjoy them as alone as only a proper wife without a proper husband could be. Anne’s only revenge for this cruel insult would be to break the heart of this man who had broken hers. But to do this she would have to be even more heartless than him.