Author: Gardner, Sally
Historical fiction
Published on 2 July 2026 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (Apollo) in the United Kingdom.
Paperback | 352 pages
197 x 129 x 26 | 246g
‘A delicious romp’ The Times‘Beautifully written and propulsive’ Adele Parks‘I adored The Bride Stone – Sally Gardner's best novel yet’ Amanda Craig1796. Newly released from a French prison, Duval Harlington returns home, clinging to memories of the peaceful estate that kept him alive. But Muchmore is in upheaval, and his late father’s will presents a cruel twist: Duval must marry at once, or lose everything.
With only a few hours left, Duval stumbles upon a wife sale and is horrified – until he sees Edmée, a woman whose quiet composure masks something far more complex. On impulse, he makes an extravagant bid and marries her. But little does Duval know, this is only the beginning of his troubles.
For Edmée is not who she says she is, and her secrets will soon threaten to dismantle everything Duval holds dear...