A Cotillion Country Christmas

A Christmas Surprise Cynthia Moore Julian Astor, Viscount Bentley is forced to marry Miss Clara Seaford in order to pay off a large gambling debt owed to her father. A misunderstanding on their Christmas Eve wedding night and Julian's subsequent trip to India with Clara's father means their marriage begins awkwardly. Miss Clara Seaford, now Viscountess Bentley, has loved Julian since she first saw him at a debutante ball several years before they were married. Clara struggles with the problem of how best to show Julian her love for him now that he has returned home for the Christmas holidays. A Tradition of Love Carolynn Carey Alethea adores the traditions of Christmas, so it comes as an unpleasant shock to hear Robert, her new husband, declare that he has no time for such trivialities. No Christmas Candle? No Wassail Bowl? No Yule Log? Alethea is horrified, but she's also ready to face the challenge presented by her husband's attitude. With three weeks to go before Christmas Eve, she's determined to find a way to teach her solemn husband to accept help with his responsibilities and to join her in creating their very own Christmas traditions. Christmas Mishaps Amy Corwin According to superstition, if a woman is the first to step over the threshold on Christmas morning, she is a harbinger of misfortune. After her sister elopes with Caroline's betrothed, Caroline ignores the warning. Two miserable years later, she's determined to unite the family for Christmas. Unfortunately, her visit coincides with the unexpected birth of her sister's first child, raising the specter of the old belief. And Caroline causes more mishaps attempting to make amends. Then Lord Edward Masters offers aid, on his terms. She can accept his Christmas gift of love or suffer the consequences. Country House Christmas Barbara Miller A scarred veteran of the Peninsular War, Richard Trent feels useless at his father's estate until Diana Tierney's arrival brings laughter back into his heart. While she is painting his long overdue portrait, he realizes that Diana is no longer a child and he is falling in love with her. Diana has always suspected her sister ruined Richard's life by jilting him and prompting him to join the army. She hopes this Christmas she can solve the mystery of his departure and that he will realize she has more than sisterly feelings for him.