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’d love to read The Matchmaking Game!
Happy, happy birthday!!!
Hi Donna
Happy birthday have a wonderful day
I would love to read
Constant Hearts”
“Unmasking the Duke” is the title that intrigue’s me.
Happy Birthday – I think early spring birthdays are the best! May you have a wonderful day and a fabulous year.
AJ
This is such a great idea! And happy birthday! I love the cover of Troubled Hearts, by the way. So mystical and pretty. I hope you have that one framed somewhere. I’d like Unmasking the Duke because it will clearly be a kissing book.
I love the birthday cake, I think it is my dream cake! How nice of you to give gifts on your birthday. It was so hard to choose, but I choose Unmasking the Duke. It has a masquerade with a surprise that seems unwelcome. I’m sure it will be a fun read.
I hope you enjoy your birthday. Best wishes for many more.
Donna – I finally gave up and celebrated my “49” birthday. That’s what happens when you turn 65!
I would love to read Unmasking the Duke in PDF.
Thanks for the chance to celebrate with you and win some great reading material.
Marian
I would like “Unmasking the Duke”. Happy Birthday Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Birthday!
I would love to read Unmasking the Duke.
Thanks
Suzannah
Happy Birthday! 🎂
A Perfect Match
A very happy birthday to you! 💐
Matchmaking Game is my choice.
I would love to have Troubled Hearts.
Troubled Hearts ♥️
I didn’t realize you had a spin-off for the Rogue Hearts series! That sounds really fun; I really enjoyed that series. So I would love “A Wager for Love”!
Emma’s Dilemma sounds interesting to me,
thanks
Happy Birthday! Have a great day, make it last all week!
I would love to have Perfect Match.
Thank you
Happy Birthday!
I enjoy your books.
I would enjoy reading “A Perfect Match”
HaPPy BirTHdaY Donna!!!! You are so talented. May the road rise to meet you this week;]
Happy Birthday! I would love to read Troubled Hearts.
Louise Bergin
Happy Birthday! I would love a copy of Troubled Hearts.
I think I’d love to try The Matchmaking Game
What a sweet gift. Thank you, and happy birthday.
“The Reluctant Heir”
Happy birthday! I’d love a copy of ‘Unmasking the Duke’ and will email.
That’s so sweet of you! Happy 39th again! I’ve had mine 13 times! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and get a cake that looks as good as that! I’d love to read Troubled Hearts!
Donna! You’re so sweet for doing this. I really love the way your writerly mind crafts books—especially romance book!
Thank you for this gift, and happy birthday, sweet friend!
Elizabeth Mueller
*books 🤪
Unmasking the Duke
Happy blessed birthday 🎂