England, 1820. Bachelor Jonathan Cavendish has become reclusive in the years following a failed romance with the love of his life. In the years following their split, he has thrown all his energy into restoring the small estate he inherited from a great uncle and has put aside any thoughts of romance. Although he’d rather remain at home alone for the festive season, this year he’s accompanying his cousin Freddy to a Christmas country house party. Freddie seems to be constantly falling in love and, on this occasion, he is infatuated with a young lady called Belinda. Jonathan is asked by Freddy’s anxious mother to accompany him to the house party to keep an eye on the situation, in case the young lady turns out to be an unsuitable choice. Despite this inauspicious beginning, Jonathan catches the eye of Nick, the handsome son of a local well-to-do farmer, who is a constant presence at the holiday entertainments. Nick is intrigued by Jonathan’s kindness and also by the sadness he hides from public view. The initial attraction between the men seems to be mutual, but can Nick break through Jonathan’s defences and teach him to love again?

A Christmas Cotillion

When they had completed a turn around the house and had reached the front door again, Freddy cleared his throat and said, “Well, I’d better be heading in before all the best parts are taken, then.”


“Yes, indeed,” Jonathan agreed mildly. “Thank you for your company, Freddy.”


His cousin gave him a slightly preoccupied smile and Jonathan watched as he walked through the entrance door with the spring returning to his step. 9


After a day spent outdoors with the gentlemen, mainly avoiding the chaos of the upcoming production, Jonathan was quite looking forward to the drama that evening, which apparently would take place before the usual round of dancing. In all honesty, he felt he would get at least as much entertainment from the rivalries between the players, given all the emotional undercurrents, rather than the performance itself.


Chapter 11