The Crystal Heart

John Charles Winston, Viscount Kirkwood, is bored. On a dare he enters into a wager, to earn his living for the next six months. What he doesn't expect is to find love.

Alana Sterling has been making her way in the world for years, having quarelled with her grandfather, a duke. At the house where she works as a companion, she is unexpectedly drawn to John, an apparently penniless scholar working as a librarian. Before anything can come of their attraction, though, their lives are complicated by the appearance of Sir Gabriel Follett-a ghost.

Years ago Sir Gabriel lost the love of his life, and has waited for the right time so that he can be reunited with her. Now that time appears to be here. What can he do, though, if Alana and John won't admit they love each other?

In a house filled with Valentine's Day tokens, it just might take some ghostly meddling to make two stubborn people see past their pride, and share their own token of love: a crystal heart.

Originally published in A Valentine's Day Delight, from Zebra Books.