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.”
*****Contest now closed****
My favorite treat is chocolate peanut butter anything!
I love all things chocolate, but around Halloween, my favorites are caramel apples and popcorn balls. My great-grandma made those every year to hand out to the kids so they bring back good memories.
candy corn
My favorite candy are truffles. I have the best recipe, and it only takes a few ingredients. They just melt in your mouth.
I love chocolate covered pretzela and strawberries.
I love candy corn, when I was younger. Now, I love anything chocolate (like brownies, chocolate chip cookies or chocolate layer cake).
Anything that is covered in deep dark chocolate
Pumpkin roll
My favorite trick or treat candy is Kit Kats!! Thank you for the chance!!
I’d have to go with the little candy bars, but if I didn’t have to watch my sugar, I’d eat almost any of it.
Anything with chocolate. I might have bought Halloween candy just so I could eat it. 🙂
my fav Halloween treat is chocolate candy
Chocolate covered macadamia nuts
My favorite Halloween treat is roasted pumpkin seeds! 🙂
Chocolate??? Did someone say chocolate??? My favorite Halloween treat, besides being able to dress up is the 3 Musketeer bar.
I love anything chocolate, but I’m partial to caramel apples at Halloween.
My year-round non-food favorite treat is a long bubble bath while reading a good book, but my fall favorite treat is candy corn which is weird since I am an absolute chocoholic!
Candy corn or Carmel apples
For Halloween, I love Reese’s peanut butter cups! And their Halloween pumpkins are great too!
My favorite Halloween treat is candy corn. There’s just something about opening a fresh pack of candy corn and inhaling the sweet smell. But this is the only time of the year that I treat myself to them.
Blonde brownies are the best any time of the year. Thanks for the chance.
I love anything chocolate, especially Reese’s peanut butter cups.
I love the Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins. I am eating one right now as I am typing my answer. Delicious!
Carmel Apples!!
My favorite treat are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Yum!
Reese’s peanut butter cups!
I love chocolate any kind and candy corn. I never tried chocolate covered strawberries, I will have to,
Penney
Any sort of milk chocolate! Twix are my current favorite!
I do so enjoy Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups in whatever sh ape I find them.
Hello, I love halloween candy! Yum, thanks – anything chocolate. It’s my birthday week as well…hint, hint (hahaha)
I am a lover of sweets/treats of all kinds 😛 My favorite go-to is either donuts or cupcakes/cake.
Anything caramel…like caramel apples or brownies frosted with caramel or just plain ol caramel candies.
I love Whatamacallit. But my new favorite is DARK Chocolate M&M peanut. They are so addictive!
peanut butter cups
I love cake and ice cream, strange to say! 🙂
Peanut butter cups!
Honestly, anything chocolate. It might not be original, but there you have it. Chocolate just makes me happy.
I love dark chocolate! If it included mint or almonds, bonus! 🙂
Chocolate, preferably dark chocolate, but I also like milk chocolate.
My favorite Halloween treat would have to be Peeps! Marshmallow ghosts or pumpkins. 🙂 I pick up a pack every year!
My favorite treat any time, Halloween or not, are Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!!
I ADORE Dark Chocolate PB Cups! Yum yum YUM <3
Cheers-
Kelly Braun
Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com
My favorite Halloween treat is original molasses kisses.
Chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered cherries (or any chocolate covered fruit for that matter) are my weakness!
Reese’s peanut butter cups
I love toffee and caramel and gummies. Also mounds or almond joy
My favorite treat is caramel apples.
I love Snickers
Dreyer’s Rocky Road Ice cream. Or dark chocolate truffles. Yum.
My favorite Halloween treat is…Snickers
Halloween has always been popcorn balls. For xmas it has always been my mother’s peanut butter fudge. Thankgiving my mothers apple salad. New Year my father’s grasshopper shake and my eggnog shakes. Other wise, glass of wine w/cheese & cracker.
anything smores I love as a treat
I love caramel apples and candy corn for fall and halloween celebrations. My mother used to order some
caramel apples from Idaho every fall. They were so delicious that I make caramel apples for my family now.
my fave halloween treat is whoppers – they were always one of my favorite candies this time of year!
I love the combination of chocolate and mint.
My favorite treat, Halloween or otherwise, is Reese’s peanut butter cups as candy or cheesecake topped with strawberries for dessert.
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate, lol.
Anything chocolate!
My favorite Halloween treat is o Henry.
My favorite Halloween treat is kifkat
My favorite candy treat of all time is actually my own Vanilla Dream Fudge with walnuts.
My favorite Halloween candy is Rockets!
Homemade vinegar taffy made after trick or treating in a fun taffy pull.
My must have Halloween treat is those kisses candies. The ones that most people don’t like, so I am lucky in that I get most of them to myself. My son will eat them too.
So many to choose from, but it was always a thrill, no matter what candy it was, to receive the regular sized candies. Favorites were Reese Cups, Babe Ruth, Almond Joy and Carmeled Apples with nuts.
I like pretty much anything chocolate, but especially right now I’m obsessed with plain M&Ms. My email address is princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone.
I love the fall combination of candy corn and candy pumpkins. Every October that is the one kind of candy I always have to make sure that I buy! I just love them!!! 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Any with nuts and covered in chocolate.
My favorite treat is mint chocolate chip ice cream! I also love chocolate cupcakes 🙂
Belgian dark chocolate.
My favorite treat isn’t a halloween one. Its bluebell homemade ice cream. I grew up near where it is made in texas, and it was a childhood favorite. I moved away though, and since then I haven’t lived anywhere they carry it. I get it every time i go home to visit.
My favorite Halloween treat is pumpkin shaped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! And Hershey’s dark chocolate, and candy corn, and pumpkin pie….and so many more.
Chocolate!!!
I’m a cheesecake addict! Any time of year 🙂
My favorite Halloween treat is popcorn balls. My Mom always made then for my sister and I for Halloween.
I love Chocolate Pie! Yummmm!
I love a mix of candy corn and roasted peanuts! My husband and I give out candy. Our grandchildren make our house the last stop and we have hot dogs ready. We have a ball! Thanks so much!
My favorite Halloween treat is Three Musketeers bars – it’s the only time of year I eat one!
My mother always made root beer on Halloween. We would give it along with popcorn balls to everyone that came to the house. I really miss it!
My favorite Halloween/Easter/Christmas treat the corresponding Reese’s peanut butter cup in shapes according to the holiday!
kymom13 at gmail dot com
Reece’s peanut butter wafer chocolate bars
Oh dear, what’s my fav. For Halloween I think caramel apples and popcorn balls.
Lemon curd tarts with a raspberry on top
MILKY WAY candy bars
I have to choose ONE? Oh, my. I’m a sucker for dark chocolate covered frozen bananas. And mochi. And cheesecake. And pumpkin everything. And Schocolat chocolates in Leavenworth.
My favorite treat is candy corn mixed with peanuts
Favorite Halloween Candy:
I always have to buy, then eat until Halloween nite, Candy Corn.
As soon as it is in the Halloween section at the grocery store.
After Halloween, I don’t buy it until it is Halloween season again. Then it is on to CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! Thank you, Nita