The Stranger She Married
An Excerpt by Donna Hatch, Regency Romance Author
Available on Amazon
Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. “Miss Alicia Palmer, allow me to introduce Lord Amesbury.”
Even more devastating up close, Lord Amesbury turned to her. His piercing blue eyes threatened the strength in her knees. Though taller than most ladies, Alicia still had to look up to meet his gaze. No other color existed in those eyes; no green or gray, only deep, dark blue, like the fathomless depths of the ocean.
All the other men she had met lately, namely those her uncle insisted she consider for a husband, had taken careful note of her figure. But this gentleman only looked into her eyes. Very deeply.
Lord Amesbury inclined his head. “Miss Palmer.” His resonant, bass voice touched her very soul.
Alicia met his frank gaze and a sensation she did not quite understand stirred within her until breathing became a conscious effort. Mrs. Hancock discreetly coughed, and Alicia realized she’d been locked in eye contact with the Viscount much longer than appropriate.
Unable to pull her eyes away, Alicia sank into a curtsey. “My lord.”
No longer merely polite, his smile broadened, warmed, transforming an already handsome face into a perfectly stunning visage. Sensuality radiated off him, not in a manner that left her feeling threatened, but in a way that left her breathless for more. More of what, she did not know. But she wanted to find out.
“Miss Palmer,” Lord Amesbury said, “May I have the next dance?”
Alicia blinked. She looked back at Elizabeth who smiled encouragingly. Mrs. Hancock also smiled and nodded, but a touch of disappointment tainted her approval, reminding Alicia the dear lady had hoped her own daughter would attract the attention of the very eligible Lord Amesbury. That he’d singled out Alicia seemed a dream.
She squelched all hope that she might hold his interest. Surely only politeness motivated him to dance with the plainest girl first. He’d soon turn his attention to the beautiful ladies.
Finding her voice, Alicia replied, “I would be delighted, my lord.”
As the final notes of the current dance ended and the next began, Lord Amesbury offered his arm. She took it, an unfamiliar quiver beginning in her stomach. The art of dancing, she found as the set began, had not abandoned her as completely as her wits. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. The warmth of his hand seeped through their kidskin gloves. He held her gently, firmly.
A playful glint touched his sapphire eyes. “I must warn you. Now that we’ve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. She will most certainly interrogate me regarding you.”
She met those probing eyes and her mouth curved. “Oh? Has your aunt become your self-proclaimed matchmaker?”
A wry smile touched his lips. “Of course. I’m thirty and not yet married. She feels it her duty to ensure I produce an heir before I’m too old. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists.”
Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. “That is a dilemma.”
“Since you and I have only just met, it will be difficult to offer a fair assessment of your character. And if I say anything positive about you, she’ll plan the wedding.” His smile brightened, lighting up his stunning face.
Alicia missed her step. Even while dancing with the very handsome Duke of Suttenberg two Seasons ago, such a keen attraction for a man had never overcome her as it did tonight. Yet she was nearly twenty, for heaven’s sake, not a missish schoolgirl!
“Your aunt is a strong woman and a kind lady, my lord. I am sure you can reason with her.”
“I suppose she possesses a good heart deep, deep down inside, but be truthful; she’s sharp-tongued and outspoken.”
She laughed and then clapped her hand over her mouth. “My lord! She might hear you.”
He chuckled. “Fear not. We needle each other as frequently as possible. I say worse things to her face. I enjoy watching her squirm and plot a counter- attack.”
That reminded her of the playful banter she shared with her cousin Robert. “I don’t recall her ever mentioning you, my lord.”
His smile turned self-deprecating. “I’m one of those relations no one mentions.”
I just discovered the Rogue Hearts series on Audible and I’m enamored with Donna Hatch’s writing. I’ve listened to The Stranger She Married and The Suspect’s Daughter twice and just finished The Unmasked Duke as part of Autumn Masquerade, a Timeless Regency Collection. Ms. Hatch’s dialogue is witty, the characters are engaging and Cole Amesbury is a splendid hero. In fact, I love the Amesbury family, especially Cole & Alicia and Grant and Jocelyn. I can’t for more.
Thank you for your kind words, Judy. I’m so happy you like my stories! If you have not already done so, I encourage you to leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Thanks again for letting me know you are a fan. That means so much to me!
Just finished the Rogue Heart series and am so in love with your books! It’s so refreshing to know I’m reading a book that I don’t have to skip over scenes that turn a sweet story into an R rated movie (or worse!)! I applaud you for truly making a book that I would not hesitate to allow my daughters to read once they’re a little older. Also, I am dying for a Rachel Amesbury story! As well as Margaret (if, you know, something can be arranged for her current husband!). You’ve truly created a wonderful world where the characters are very deep and someone you would truly want to know. Thank you for sharing them with the world!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m delighted that you enjoy my books. I’m currently working on the rough draft of Margaret’s book. Rachel’s will be next. I hope you enjoy them.
Yay!!! So excited for them both!
I just finished Margaret’s story. Loved it!!! Can’t wait for Rachel’s story.
I have loved the entire series. Being home so much – I have started reading a
number of books. Thank you for some wonderful reads.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed Margaret and Connor’s story. You really made my day! If you get a moment, please do leave an honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads to help others find out about my books. Thank you so much for reaching out to me!
Dear Donna,
I have read your Rogue Hearts books several times now and each time, I still get caught up in the suspense and the intrigue. I love the romance and the passion and each of the Amesbury brothers, although Jared is my favorite. My only wish is that this series, or at least The Guise of a Gentleman, would be made into a movie! I would love to see these characters and these incredible stories played out on the big screen!! Thank you for bringing them to life in your books!
Thank you so much, Bonnie! You really made my day!
Hi Donna were you planning on writing Selena’s story from the Courting series? I so enjoyed this series! Thanks.
Hi Denise. I’m so happy you like my Courting Series! Thanks so much for taking the time to tell me. Yes, I do have plans for a book about Selena. Right now, I’m working on another project, then write book 6 of my Rogue Hearts Series, then I plan to give Selena her happily ever after. Thanks again for reaching out. I hope you have a lovely day!
I love your books. I also really liked the courting series. I would love to see Selena’s book. But also a book with Lord Banbury in it or even Isabella.
Thank you so much, Melissa! I’m so happy you like my books. It’s great to know someone out there appreciates my hard work. I do have plans to write Selena’s book in the future, as well as one with Lord Bradbury. I haven’t planned one for Isabella just yet but she may get her own story in the future. If you’re so inclined, please take a moment to write an honest review for any/all of my books on Amazon and/or Goodreads to help other readers find me. And tell a 100 of your closest friends! 😉 Again, thanks so much for taking time to write to me. You really made my day!
I truly love your books. The Rogue Heart Series and the Courting series, they have their own album in my Kindle library. I’m reading them again for probably the 10th time at least. I’m rereading Christian’s story currently (my favorite, but I do love all those Amesbury gentlemen) and I’m so excited for Rachel’s story. Thank you for writing these wonderful stories and bringing their world into our lives. You’re a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books you’ve mentioned above as books you plan to quote.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! I’m so happy to know you enjoy my stories and love the Amesburys as much as I do. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to write an honest review for any/all of my books on Amazon and/or Goodreads to help other readers find me. And tell a 100 of your closest friends! 😉 Again, thanks so much for taking time to write to me. You really made my day! 💕
I’ve just finished reading The Rogue Heart series for the second time. I hope Rachel gets her own story! I’m now off to find more of your books that I haven’t read yet. I had no idea you have written so many books! Thank you for sharing your incredible talent with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Sallie! I really appreciate it! I do plan to start Rachel’s story later this year. I hope it meets with your expectations. Do tell 100 of your closest friends 😉 Thanks again. You really made my day!
I just finished the Rogue Hearts series and am absolutely in love with it!!! Any update on when Rachel’s story will be coming out?