He recognized most of those in the other boxes. As usual, few made even a show of watching the play, but rather chattered and visited, flirted and gossiped. His gaze rested on one box where he thought he knew none of the spectators. Perhaps they were new to London. There was a very grand old lady with white hair piled high and dressed with jewels. She was flanked by a lady some years younger than her—Strongwycke raised his glass—yes, she had a dissatisfied air and a peevish mouth. There was a gentleman by her, a bluff, country-looking gentleman with an open, honest countenance. Strongwycke frowned, thinking he might have seen that fellow’s face before. The young woman by his side was lovely, in a placid, buxom way.
And then there were two younger ladies in the box, one extraordinarily beautiful. He took in a deep shaking breath. She looked very much like Dorothea, and it hurt just below his rib cage to see her, looking so familiar and flirting with two gentlemen who had clearly just entered the box, seeking an introduction. The other girl sat in the corner, dressed in a lovely gown but looking forlorn. His heart went out to her. She seemed so lost and unhappy. Where had he seen those large eyes before? What color would they be?
He picked up his opera glass again and focused, with some difficulty, on the young lady’s face. Curling brown hair, slight figure, and yes, lovely, large eyes. Eyes he had seen before—
In the park, looking up at him with a smile. It was Miss Pamela Neville. He snapped his opera glass closed and tossed it down on the empty seat beside him. He turned his attention back to the stage and for the rest of the act kept it there.
Books by Donna Lea Simpson
See all of Donna Lea Simpson’s
books at Smashwords!
Classic Regency Romances
The Viscount’s Valentine
A Rogue’s Rescue
A Scandalous Plan
Reforming the Rogue
Lord St. Claire’s Angel
Noël’s Wish
The Earl of Hearts
Romancing the Rogue
Married to a Rogue
Taming the Rogue
The Rogue’s Folly
A Matchmaker’s Christmas
Miss Truelove Beckons
Courting Scandal
A Rake’s Redemption
Lord Haven’s Deception
The Debutante’s Dilemma
A Lady’s Choice
Lady Anne Mysteries
Lady Anne and the Howl in the Dark
Revenge of the Barbary Ghost
Curse of the Gypsy
About the Author
Donna Lea Simpson is a nationally bestselling romance and mystery novelist with over twenty titles published in the last eleven years. An early love for the novels of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie was a portent of things to come; Donna believes that a dash of mystery adds piquancy to a romantic tale, and a hint of romance adds humanity to a mystery story. Besides writing romance and mystery novels and reading the same, Donna has a long list of passions: cats and tea, cooking and vintage cookware, cross-stitching and watercolor painting among them. Karaoke offers her the chance to warble Dionne Warwick tunes, and nature is a constant source of comfort and inspiration. A long walk is her favorite exercise, and a fruity merlot is her drink of choice when the tea is all gone. Donna lives in Canada.
The best writing advice, Donna believes, comes from the letters of Jane Austen. That author wrote, in an October 26, 1813, letter to her sister, Cassandra, “I am not at all in a humor for writing; I must write on till I am.” So true! But Donna is usually in a good humor for writing!
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