Jewel of My Heart (MIRA)

ISBN: 0778321010

Author: Rogers, Rosemary

Condition: New

From BooklistMadison Wescott's mother is trying to convince her errant daughter to attend her coming-out ball, but Madison would rather paint than do her duty to late nineteenth-century London society. When Madison's mysterious aunt Kendra arrives from Jamaica, Madison follows her aunt's suggestion and displays one of her paintings, but so objectionable is her art, Madison is sent to Jamaica. Madison is happy to leave the restrictions of London society and get to know her aunt better. And two gentlemen are in tow: Jefford Harris, a taciturn but helpful man who constantly criticizes Madison, and Lord Thomblin, a charming rogue who captures Madison's fancy, much to her aunt's consternation. But Jamaica is only a temporary stop once an uprising forces the English plantation owners to journey to India, where the sparks fly and Madison finally sees where her heart really lies. Rogers, a true doyenne of the genre, gives her many readers the romance they anticipate along with lush scenery and romantic locations. Patty EngelmannCopyright American Library Association. All rights reservedProduct DescriptionJewel of My Heart by Rosemary Rogers released on Nov 24, 2004 is available now for purchase.Review"Her novels are filled with adventure, excitement, and always, wildly tempestuous romance." -- Fort Worth Star-TelegramExcerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.Jewel Of My HeartBy Rosemary Rogers Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.Copyright 2004 Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.All right reserved.ISBN: 0-7783-2101-0Chapter OneLondon, England Boxwood Manor September 1888"Madison," Lady Westcott shrieked. "Madison Ann Westcott, unlock this door at once!"Ignoring her mother, Madison concentrated, the tip of her tongue held between her teeth, as she drew her horse-hair paintbrush through the red ochre on the palette in her hand. With a broad, confident gesture, she stroked the color over the canvas in a sweeping, dark curve that was the man's shoulder.She gazed up at the model, then back at her painting, and smiled, at last satisfied. She'd been laboring for two days on the hue of the male model's ebony skin, and, at last, she felt she had it."Madison, what are you doing in there? Unlock this door at once or I'll have Edward remove the hinges again," Lady Westcott threatened.Cundo's intense, black-eyed gaze shifted past Madison to the secured double paneled walnut doors, but he did not move a muscle. "Honorable Miss, perhaps -" he began in a deep, melodious rumble."She'll admit defeat and withdraw, Cundo. She always does." Madison touched the streak of muscle on the black man's shoulder in her painting, shading it a bit more. "Do you need to relax a moment?" she asked, her gaze darting in his direction again. "Because, heaven knows I do. We've been at this for hours.""Madison, I won't stand for this behavior any longer, do you hear me?" There was a knock on the door, then a bang, which was quite out of character for her mother."Your aunt has arrived and I demand that you come out of there! I insist that you go to your room, have Aubrey bathe you and then dress you fittingly, and that you come to the drawing room without delay."Madison wiped her brush down the front of the white floor-length smock she wore over her nightdress, smearing paint but cleaning the bristles quite efficiently. Though it was near to four in the afternoon, she hadn't yet found time to dress. Not that she cared, but if her mother found her way into the studio, there would be hell to pay. All the more reason why she could not, presently, leave the studio."Tell Lady Moran I'm working," she called over her shoulder in the direction of the locked double doors. "Perhaps I'll see her tomorrow when she's rested from her journey."Madison was, in fact, anxious to welcome the aunt she'd never met but had heard romantic tales of. But Lady Moran hadn't been due in until tomorrow, and an artist had to work when the muse bid, didn't she?The door