A Sprig of Mistletoe

London, December 1843

Bah…humbug!

Philanthropist Bartholomew Fernsby is by no means a Scrooge, working as he does to distribute his wealth amongst the poor. But there is one trait he shares with the character in Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol. He hates Christmas.

God bless us, every one!

Lady Catherine Egerton adores the Yuletide, and she and her brother are traveling to London to deliver some seasonal cheer to one of the city's workhouses, and also purchase a copy of the newly published A Christmas Carol. Only a near accident at Euston Station brings a change of fortune when Kitty is saved by a handsome stranger—Mr Bartholomew Fernsby, her brother's dearest friend.

Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

When the Egertons invite Bart to spend the festive season at their country estate, he's torn. He loathes all the merriment and mistletoe, and it's this time of year when he mourns his mother's passing. But the comfort of Lady Kitty's spirit, and the joy he sees in her eyes, are just too tempting to ignore…