Constant Hearts, Inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion

By Donna Hatch

The scandalous Lady Amelia Dasherwood would rather thumb her nose at the society who shunned her for getting a divorce, but must now face those who rejected her in order to solicit aid for a forgotten orphanage dear to her.

Newly returned from the horrors of war, Dr. Reed St. Ives plans to make a new life as a country doctor and forget Amelia ever existed--after all, she broke his heart when she married another man. Yet she keeps invading his thoughts and showing up when he least expects her. If only he could find a cure for his own heart.

When fate reunites them, the last thing they want is to face the heartbreak that tore them apart years ago. Amelia must choose between honoring her family’s wishes to deny her love again, or declaring herself and risking Reed’s rejection. Placing her heart at his feet would take the most courage of all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna Hatch
• Release date: Apr 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458158659

Donna Hatch

Donna Hatch is the award-winning author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series” and more than 25 published titles. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8. She juggles writing, freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and speaking at workshops and conferences. Both natives of Arizona, she and her husband of over thirty years have raised 6 children together and are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

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Copyright 2016 Donna Hatch

Mirror Lake Press

All rights reserved

ASIN: B006MHYESE

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This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places and dialogue are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.

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Other titles by Donna Hatch

The Rogue Hearts Regency Series:

The Stranger She Married, book 1

The Guise of a Gentleman, book 2

A Perfect Secret, book 3

The Suspect’s Daughter, book 4

Anthologies: Timeless Romance, Winter Collection A Winter’s Knight

Timeless Regency Romance, Autumn Masquerade Unmasking the Duke

Timeless Regency Romance, Summer House Party A Perfect Match

With Every Heartbeat, The Reluctant Bride, Emma’s Dilemma, Constant Hearts"

Heart Strings, Songs of the Heart series Book 1

Courting the Countess

Novellas and Short Stories:

When Ship Bells Ring

Constant Hearts

Emma’s Dilemma

The Reluctant Bride

Troubled Hearts

Christmas Novellas:

A Winter’s Knight

A Christmas Reunion

Mistletoe Magic

Fantasy Novel: Queen in Exile

Chapter 1

London, 1815

The last person Amelia planned to see at the soiree was Reed St. Ives, and she certainly didn’t expect to see him leaning over the hostess’s unconscious body.

Her heart stalled, then beat an unsteady rhythm. Reed drew every light in the drawing room as if the sun’s rays shone on him. Broader now, even more handsome than before, and with a more confident air, Reed’s power over her had not faded with the passing years.

Stand back, Reed said. Someone open a window.

Obedient to Reed’s command, the crowd stepped back and threw open windows. With a guilty start, Amelia remembered her friend Lady Evensley lying in a swoon and tried to turn her attention to its proper focus.

Reed checked Lady Evensley’s pulse with his long, slender fingers. He’d always had such lovely hands—masculine, yet graceful—the hands of the gifted pianist. Years ago, those fingers had traced Amelia’s cheek with utmost gentleness.

She shivered. Best not to dwell on that, or on what might have been.

In spite of Reed’s directive, Amelia stepped closer, eyeing Lady Evensley’s pallid face, and began fanning her.

Lord Evensley knelt next to his wife, his gaze flitting frantically between her face and Reed’s. I’ve never seen her faint.

It’s probably just the heat, came Reed’s assuring voice as his dark head bent over the lady. Her pulse is strong and she’s breathing freely. Bring me a damp cloth.

He began chaffing her wrists as a footman dashed out of the room.

Amelia turned to her aunt. Your vinaigrette, Aunt.

Oh, yes, of course. Aunt Millie handed over her small silver box containing a vinegar-soaked sponge.

Amelia stepped forward and leaned down, accidentally brushing against Reed’s arm. Heat flared across her skin and her senses filled with his scent. His very presence sent a wave of longing over her.

As she held out the vinaigrette, she swallowed and forced her words through a dry throat. Perhaps this will help revive her?

Thank you. Without even glancing at Amelia, Reed took the delicately carved box out of her hand and flicked open the hinged lid, releasing the pungent smell of vinegar. He waved it under the nostrils of Lady Evensley.

Amelia swallowed her stung pride that he hadn’t noticed her—just as well since they were entirely unsuitable for a number of reasons. Or so she’d told herself all those years ago. And every day since.

Lady Evensley’s eyes fluttered. Oh, my. I hope I haven’t ruined the party.

Not at all, my dear. Lord Evensley helped her sit up.

Amelia added wickedly, "Merely added a bit of spice to the evening. Although, next time you’ll have to outdo this one. Perhaps invite a