Gentle Reader,I know I’ve committed an unpardonable act. I should never have read Miss Liza Cranshaw’s letters. I assure you I never intended to wrong her. But now that I’ve learned of her desperate straits, how can I ignore her plight?Miss Cranshaw is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. She is being blackmailed into marriage by a wretched nobleman greedy for her dowry. Naturally, I cannot ignore a damsel in distress-especially one so lovely and so charming-and am determined to prevent this disastrous union for her sake, though I must admit she has stirred my soul in ways I had not thought possible.I am aware of my reputation as a rake, and one who has never had more than a passing acquaintance with constancy. And I admit I am a stone’s throw away from debtor’s prison-through no fault of my own, I hasten to add. Misfortune, however, is no impediment to heroism. I vow, Gentle Reader, that I will restore my fortune and rescue Miss Cranshaw-before I land in prison. Just, I beg of you, do not tell her about the letters!Very truly yours,Jack Fairchild, Esq.