Clare Darcy: Gwendolen

Gwendolen is next from Clare Darcy. Signet published this paperback in September 1979. Gwendolen fell in love and got quickly engaged to Captain Henry Belville of the navy. Now that he has been away, she doubts whether she really loves him and the romances of her sisters complicate the matter along with a handsome new Lord on the scene!

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in front of a fireplace. Our couple seem very taken with one another. Our heroine's pink gown has some interesting decoration. The carving of the goddess on the fireplace seems the most striking aspect of this cover. These past covers remind me of the ones that Allan did for Georgette Heyer's Berkley romances.

Clare Darcy: Eugenia

Eugenia was published in June 1978 and is the story of said titled lady who is on the marriage market and is being advised by everyone around her what to do! However, she plans to pursue true love at any cost.

Allan Kass creates a grand illustration for this book. We see our couple in a very decorated room with a peacock tapestry on the wall and our hero standing by an ornate clock on an equally ornate marble topped table! Our heroine lounges on a couch nearby. She is dressed in a simple white muslin, but wears a gold shawl and necklace. This would be another of Allan's earlier regency covers and I hope that you enjoy it!

Clare Darcy: Elyza

Elyza is next in line, being published by Signet in July 1977 for Clare Darcy. Dressed as a young man, Elyza is rescued from a cruel innkeeper by Cleve Redmayne and she realizes that she doesn't have to settle for a dull and boring marriage!

Allan Kass illustrates Brighton UK on this cover. We see our couple strolling in a park and the Prince Regent's Royal Pavilion in the background! Our heroine wears a sunny summer dress and carries a matching parasol. Our hero blends into the scene in his green jacket and I like how he casually holds the heroine's hand.

John Nash redesigned the Royal Pavilion building in an Indian theme. The inside decorations are mainly influenced by Indian and Chinese designs. George IV, formerly the Prince Regency wanted a house in Brighton from where he could visit the seaside. Queen Victoria sold it to the city in the 1850's.

Clare Darcy: Cressida

Cressida by Clare Darcy is next in our Allan Kass illustrated book cover lineup! This book was published by Signet in October 1978. Cressida is the darling of London society, but she is waiting for Captain Rossiter, who broke off their engagement 6 years ago, to return and once he does, she is determined to win him once again!

Allan Kass shows our couple in a vibrant room. Our heroine is dressed in an olive green day dress and shares a tender moment with the hero, who is dressed in traditional black jacket and buff colored pantaloons. Note the red watch fob off of his trousers. I like the detail of the heroine's jewelry, especially her bracelets and earrings.

Clare Darcy's books are some of the first that Signet published along with other authors: Joan Wolf, Catherine Coulter, Sandra Heath, and Vanessa Gray. Allan Kass illustrated a lot of their books, too!

Clare Darcy: Caroline and Julia

January 1983 saw the Signet publication of Caroline and Julia by Clare Darcy. Caroline, an orphan, moves in with Julia, a sophisticated London widow. They help each other weave through the maze that is London Society and find husbands!

Allan Kass illustrates both of our heroines and their heroes on this cover. They stand in a music room and our heroine in pink carries a fan and is dressed for the evening's activities. The hero behind her holds a glove and has a hand in a pocket, which is unusual. The other couple stand closer and seem more attached to each other! I like the instruments along with the paintings and porcelain on the table. It's a very busy cover!

Clare Darcy: Allegra

Allegra is the first book Allan Kass illustrated for Clare Darcy. We will see 12 different covers over the next days for the different novels that Darcy wrote and Kass illustrated!

Allegra was published in February 1976 by Signet and is the story of a feisty lady who shocks Regency London by not accepting the hand of her distant, wealthy cousin and then travels to Brussels on the eve of Waterloo!

Allan Kass shows our couple dancing at a ball. Maybe this was the famous ball in Brussels before the Battle of Waterloo! Our hero and heroine move elegantly down the room while we see the musicians play and others watch. I really like the detail on his jacket and her headdress! It's too bad that it's not a full cover illustration, but I hope that you enjoy it and the others to come!

Emma Darby: Into the Arena

Into the Arena is the other book by Emma Darby illustrated by Allan Kass. It's a Signet publication from April 1973. Celia is done dealing with her husband's affairs and decides to do something about it.

Allan Kass illustrates our couple in a pensive moment. Our hero is made human by his holding the family cat. I really like seeing Allan's contemporary illustrations as evidenced by our hero with the beard! Our heroine is calm in feature, but seems awkward towards the hero. I like the montage painting behind them. Note Allan's signature under the flowers.