Lady Harriet Thornhill knows the summons from her grandfather means he’s decided whom she must marry. Determined that she’d only marry a man of her choosing, she stows away in her friend’s father’s carriage, only to find herself alone with young Archibald Napier,Viscount Morley. Morley’s plans for a quiet Christmas vanish when he discovers the sweet young lady hiding under the blankets in his carriage. As she claims an acquaintance with his sister, he feels duty-bound to see her safely back to her family. A broken carriage wheel leaves them stranded, and Harriet’s reputation is at stake. Morley’s not ready to take a wife, until he’s told he wouldn’t be a suitable husband for her. With memories of her sweet, tempting kiss filling his thoughts, he prepares to fight for the hand of the woman he believes he could love.

(Originally released in A Gentlemen’s Pact) Lord Northcotte is not in the holiday spirit when he joins his sister’s family shortly after the brutal death of a friend. Discovering a matchmaking scheme is afoot, he tells them he will never marry Lady Miriam or any other woman. Now if only his heart would listen. Lady Miriam’s mother accused her of chasing Lord Mystery after a noble act by a handsome gentleman six years ago became the measure of all other men. Now he’s staying at the home where she’d hoped to escape a summons from her grandfather, the Duke of Danby. Terrified Northcotte will recognize her and reveal the contents of the scandalous letter she wrote him years ago, she can’t decide which is the bigger the duke armed with a special license, or Lord Mystery, who carries a secret she’d never live down.

While others fear the meddling Duke of Danby, Lady Eleanor hopes he can find her a husband, since he does it so well. Four years ago, Lady Eleanor’s brother Archie found his love, Harriet, indirectly due to the Duke of Danby’s summons at Christmastime. Now Eleanor hopes Danby will do the same for her, but she’ll have to get over her shyness to meet anyone. Discovered by the handsome Marquess of Wickham while she hides away in the nursery, she agrees to pretend there’s an understanding between them so his uncle won’t try to force him to marry. Eleanor enjoys Wickham’s company, but how will she find a husband if the gentlemen all believe she’s already in love?

When Lord Giles’ grandmother sends him on a fool’s errand requiring him to gain entry into her former home, he strikes up a friendship with the daughter of the new resident, Miss Tabitha Minnet. Tabby’s search for a husband has brought her, along with every other lady of marriageable age, to London for the Season. She isn’t particular about titles and income, as long as her future husband is kind, honest, and an excellent kisser. The one she’s particularly interested in happens to be the brother-in-law of her dearest friend. Lord Giles is quite the catch! A madcap cat and mouse chase ensues as Lord Giles searches for his grandmother’s lost treasure while avoiding the young lady his great uncle the Duke of Danby plans for him to wed. The more time he spends with Tabby, the less interest he has in Grandmother’s wishes, which has him dangerously close to falling in love. Will he find the treasure before losing his heart to Tabby? This novella was included in the Outwitting the Duke anthology.