1822. Richard Brockwell, younger son of Ivy Hill's most prominent family, hasn't been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to stay far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. After his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life unless he comes home for Christmas, he plans to return to London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over. Christmas surprises include encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled-- and determined to have nothing to do with him. -- adapted from back cover