First Sentence

"When he won a wager by marrying her, he never gambled or losing his heart. The Earl of Saltaire had a reputation as a rakehell, an abductor and ravisher of women, a dandy and a demon on horseback. Much of what was said about him was true. Then what lady of means and of irreproachable character would consider marrying him -- especially if she knew the reason for the match was principaly to win a bet? Certainly not Lavinia Davenham, a beautiful lady whose independence and integrity were lifelong cualities. Why, he'd have to carry her off by force in the dark night! And so she did."