When two people are too shy to give romance a chance, a little ducal interference is needed. It’s Christmastide, and Griffin Ivy, Earl of Hollingsworth, has been summoned by his ducal parents to Ivy Castle, a monstrosity of an estate deep in the heart of Warwickshire County. He’s terrified of taking the title of duke soon, and instead of mingling with society, he’d rather bury himself in books or walk the acreage, for then anxiety can’t touch him… until he meets his father’s nurse, Nora. When Miss Nora Ridley is told to draw the earl out of his shell during the holiday season so he’ll feel more comfortable at social events, she balks at the odd request. Not only would it mean she’d need to circulate within the duke’s family in public, but the order also comes with a borrowed wardrobe making her into someone she isn’t… but then she meets Griffin and her perspective changes. They’re both ill-at-ease within company, but Ivy Castle is big enough to provide a respite from responsibilities and an opportunity for quiet talking. As they’re pushed into traditional holiday activities and entertainments, an unlikely and surprising romance blooms between them. The magic of Christmastide helps to usher in love, but a little white lie and societal differences threaten to tear the couple apart… unless they both take a leap of faith together.

Bonding in grief can bring about a whole new perspective. Lady Lettice Jonesboro—formerly Ivy—doesn’t enjoy Christmastide activities, for they make her remember the loss of her husband too much. Though she remains cheerful for the sake of her small daughter, she wishes she could hide away until after Twelfth Night, but her ducal parents are having none of it. The one thing that makes the holiday bearable is becoming reacquainted with a neighbor and a former chum from her youth. Courtland Beckwith—Baron Henshaw—has returned to his country estate in the Warwickshire countryside to grieve the death of his father in relative privacy. It’s taken him by surprise, and though his sister wishes to join the holiday house party at nearby Ivy Castle, he’d rather remain alone. But when his childhood crush twists her ankle on his driveway as she pays an impromptu visit, he might change his mind. They each find comfort and understanding regarding the loneliness and muddle of grief; it’s made better when an endearing friendship is revived. As Letty and Courtland are thrown together on a sleigh ride, the romance they never had years ago blooms. When they find themselves locked in an attic on Christmas Eve night, long held secrets and hopes in their hearts are revealed, and if the two are brave enough to see past grief and family posturing, they might just grasp a love they’ve always wanted.

When all else fails, sometimes it’s up to fate to arrange a romance. It’s Boxing Day as well as his ducal parents’ wedding anniversary, and Graham Ivy—Lord Bonham—is stuck at a Christmastide house party. He hasn’t been bothered with settling down or finding a bride, for he’s had too much fun playing the rogue in London, but when a mysterious, pretty, stranger arrives at Ivy Castle during a celebration ball, he might just change his mind. Miss Arabella Holly is in a spot of bother. Her travelling coach broke a wheel on the muddy roads, and in desperate need of assistance, she walks a few miles until she reaches the Duke of Whittington’s doorstep. Surely the occupants of the castle will assist in her quest to flee the clutches of a horrible man who wishes to claim her hand in marriage thanks to her father losing everything at the gaming tables. A series of events that smack of intrigue or a bit of theatric fiction worthy of Drury Lane catches Graham and Arabella up in its vortex. Staying two steps ahead of the lecherous lord who wants to take her away provides thrills but falling tip over tail into love at first sight is much more exciting. As the Holly and Ivy affair comes to a head, Graham offers the ultimate way to fix the problem, much to the shock and delight of his whole family.