Sara Smythe

Sara Smythe is the main character for the two-thirds of the novel that take place in the 1880's. As a housekeeper at a London hotel, she is suddenly given a job offer by the dapper Mr. Theodore Camden to work in a new luxury apartment building that he is opening in New York City, the Dakota. Sara makes the big decision to take up the offer, and excels at her job even when she is suddenly promoted to manage the building's 150 staff members. After a lengthy flirtation with Theo when his wife his absent, Theo and Sara consummate their love after he takes her to a masquerade ball. Unfortunately for Sara, this moment would inadvertently end up destroying her life.

Sara became pregnant by Theo and, unbeknownst to her, she is almost immediately blackmailed by one of her two assistants, Daisy Cavanaugh. Daisy recommends that Sara get...