An Unwelcome Guest Lionel St. James' name was most definitely not on the guest list for the Blakelys' lavish Christmas Ball. But nonetheless, he arrives at their home that evening with one goal in mind: to catch one glimpse—just one!—of Miss Mary Ann Whittaker. For years ago, on a dark winter's night, the sight of her lovely face had warmed his cold heart—and inspired in him a generosity he never knew he possessed.... An Innocent Lady Lionel is delighted to see that the years have not dimmed Mary Ann's beauty—and that she is still as sweet and innocent as she was on that long-ago night. But even as they share a glance, then a dance, his heart begins to ache with regret. For time has not been nearly as kind to his own reputation—and his soul has grown darker with each passing day. He fears that if he courts Mary Ann, he will ruin her. All he wants this Christmas is to call her his own—and to be the man she deserves for every holiday to come...