Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year s most festive and romantic holiday. For at the top of each guest s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year

A chance meeting beneath the mistletoe, a stolen glance across the dance floor amid the sumptuous delicacies, glittering decorations, and swell of the orchestra, every duchess and debutante, lord and lackey has a hopeful heart. There s the headstrong heiress who must win back her beloved by midnight or be wed to...