Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals for their ongoing encouragement and support:

To Deb Werksman at Sourcebooks for your continued support and faith in Fortune’s Son, based on only the first few chapters.

To my agent, Kelly Mortimer, my cheerleader and Rock of Gibraltar.

To Jill G., for your ongoing encouragement and help in critiquing this manuscript.

To my sons, Sean and Brandon, who actually read and enjoy my work!

To all the gang at Scott & White in Temple, Texas, for your friendship, support, and for putting up with me every day during this ten-month labor of love.

To Danielle, Shawna, Lacey, and Diana of the Austin Area Romantics Book Club for opening your arms and taking me into your fold.

And a very special thank you to Dr. Milo Thurston (http.sirwilliamhope.org) for helping me out of a pickle by sharing your invaluable expertise in the methodology of eighteenth-century swordplay.