Laura Matthews: A Very Proper Widow

A Very Proper Widow was published by Signet in December 1982 for Laura Matthews. Vanessa Damery is a widow raising her two small children and determined never to marry again until she meets the Earl of Alvescot who is a relative of her late husband and has come to help her with the estate.

We have a picture of a young couple outside of a pretty cottage. Allan Kass creates a scene where they share a comforting moment with each other. Note the gold jewelry on the heroine because this is a Kass touch and seen a lot on some of his earlier covers. It's also interesting that we see a heroine with her hair down since during the regency time, it was proper for grown women to wear their hair up off their neck.

Laura Matthews: In My Lady's Chamber

In My Lady's Chamber was published by Signet in July 1993. It had an earlier publication from 1981. Theodosia is a governess now but was once engaged to Lord Marcus until a lie sent them their separate ways. Now meeting again, she wonders if he plans to marry a lady of the house and is desperate not to lose her heart again!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a bedroom where the heroine is sitting on a couch whose upholstery matches the bed hangings and curtains. They are dressed for dinner and it looks like the hero is asking a favor or pleading his cause. My only criticism is that I don't care for the pose where the hero is bending over because we miss some of his face and expression. Otherwise, the detail here is amazing and I'd love a room like this!

Laura Matthews: Lord Greywell's Dilemma

Lord Greywell's Dilemma was published by Signet in January 1983. It's the story of Elspeth Parkstone who at the advanced age of 25 marries Lord Greywell to help care for his infant son but decide to keep it a marriage of convenience.

I think that this is a pretty cover by Allan Kass with our couple strolling on a beautiful estate. I like the use of color here with the sky so blue, the grass so green, and the flowers so pink. Our couple seem to be sharing a quiet moment together and maybe falling into love.

Laura Matthews: The Ardent Lady Amelia

Laura Matthews is a pseudonym for Elizabeth Rotter, who also wrote a Signet Regency under yet another pseudonym of Elizabeth Walker.  She wrote 30 regencies but only 4 were illustrated by Allan Kass.

The Ardent Lady Amelia was published by Signet in February 1984 and is the story of Amelia Cameron who is convinced that Lord Verwood, a nobleman of mystery, is really a spy because he is too good to be true!

Allan creates a cover with our couple in a rich room that looks out onto a summery vista. Our hero is dark and handsome but what is intriguing to me is the heroine. She wears a burgandy gown that almost clashes with her hair. The blue background of the room save the color day! Note the detail in the silver bowl behind them.