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.”
***DRAWING IS CLOSED–CONGRATULATIONS TO TIFFANY WEBB!!***
I enjoy Valentine’s Day when I have a valentine (not this year), but I’d rather have an unexpected “thinking of you” gift at a random time during the year. Because it shows they were thinking of me and not that it’s an obligation gift.
acm05atjuno.com
I love the half price chocolate the day after valentine’s. mandaoverturf at yahoo dot com.
What is not to love about love, and frankly CHOLCOLATE IS THE BEST! Even on a diet-diet smiet. Hehehe
Teya Peck
222 S Cutler
Sugar City, ID 83448
OH LOL! I just saw there is already a winner. CONGRATS!
What I like about Valentine’s Day is the color red. I wear a lot more red during February-red cothes, red shoes, and red nails on toes and fingers. And I eat red candies.
I love the smiles, the cards, the chocolate! Thanks for the giveaway!
Valentine’s Day is special to my husband and I because that is the day we got engaged 47 years ago. Every year we still celebrate this day as a special anniversary.
I like to put up decorations and rotating screensavers on my computer. They make me smile. Of course if someone like my DH were to give me chocolate anything, it would be great. I just like the holiday. All the rest is extra.
Nancy Luebke at jluebke@frontier.com
I love chocolate.It helps calm amd soothe me when I eat it. Drinking hot chocolate warms my soul.
Love chocolate covered strawberries. Not a big fan of Valentine’s Day.
bvanwalsen@hotmail.com
I re-read The Guise of a Gentleman last night for probably the tenth time. I LOVE all your books, but that one is my very favorite! Pirates and a Donna Hatch book are the perfect combination!
What I love about Valentine’s Day is a dinner movie date that ends with flowers!
it’s true, who doesn’t love chocolate covered strawberries 😛 ?!? and valentines day is my favorite holiday! it always has been. even in high school. even on years where i’m single. to me, it’s bigger than sex or romance — but a day to celebrate everyone and anything in my life that i love. love is so powerful, and i love that there is a day dedicated to it 😀
Oh Man, I love chocolate and strawberries but I’ve never had them together! I love Valentines day because I get to make all this cute stuff I find on pinterest (Ok I do that all the time) 🙂
tiffany.webb29@yahoo.com
I referred my brother Dylan and my friend Ashley S.
Ialways loved allthe flowers and chocolate involved in the holiday. It is both a pretty and a delicious occassion. ._. One where you are guranteed snuggles if you have a signidicant other. This is my first year having a boyfriend at 22. I’d always beeen overweight and never talked to boys. And I landed a handsome sweetheart. I’m sort of at a loss for ehat to do fot valentinea day now that I have him. But we both love chocolate so this might be fun. ^^ thanks for the giveaway. (He isn’t a fan of reading, but I love historical romance. ._. He’s weird)
My husband and I have been together since 1999 and we go out for sushi every single year. Sometimes he surprises me with chocolates! Oh man… I LOVE Shari’s Berries and would beyond thrilled to surprise my hubby with these on Valentine’s Day. How romantic!
I love Valentine’s Day even though I don’t have a significant other. I love to take my son out on mommy and son dates. We eat whatever we want and I make sure I get myself some yummy chocolate. After his bedtime I get some wine 🙂 I love chocolate covered strawberries!
Sorry it took me so long to comment, when I got the email a week ago.
I love milk chocolate and truffles, just so warm and delicious. Like historical novels. 🙂
My favorite quote of all time, it’s even on my Facebook page, is : “Love means never having to say you’re sorry” from the movie Love Story.
And by the way…you Donna, are really that fabulous!
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!
whistleinthewind74@hotmail.com