© 2001

Dear Reader,

I'd just purchased a book on the Holland Park circle of artists and came on a description of a seductive lady wearing a dark blue dress. The imagery was intense; I could see her clearly. Alexandra Ionides suddenly came to life for me. She's not the lady in the description, of course; she's my lady in a blue dress and I wished to show everyone her world.

Sam Lennox was intrigued by her as well. In fact, he'd owned a painting of her long before he met her. But once he realized she lived in London, he was intent on knowing her better.

And he always got what he wanted.

Although the manner of that acquisition wasn't without obstacles.

Alexandra, you see, disliked men like Sam Lennox who only amused themselves in ladies' beds.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at www.susanjohnsonauthor.net.

Happy reading,

SJ

London, June 1878

"It's the same luscious female," Lord Ranelagh murmured, surveying a painting of a scantily clad odalisque in the Royal Academy show. "I'd recognize those breasts anywhere."

"She had more clothes on in the painting you bought in Paris," the young Earl of Airlie said, his gaze intent on the splendid female form. "It looks as though she's become even more-er-emancipated."

Samuel Lennox, the Viscount Ranelagh, heir to an earldom of great fortune, rich in his own right, cast his friend a skeptical glance. "As if all models aren't bohemian by nature. More to the point-since Leighton's painted her, I wonder if the pretty vixen's in London?"

"Why not ask Leighton? Since the painting's not for sale, he might have a special interest in the model."