What's a Duke to do when he's made an awful impression on the love of his life? The Duke of Oxthorpe lost his intensely guarded heart to Miss Edith Clay when Edith's rich cousin sought to attach the duke's marital interest. So smitten is Oxthorpe with the former poor relation that he's gone through intermediaries to sell Edith a property adjoining the ducal seat. Edith doesn't much care for the haughty duke, but as Christmas approaches, Oxthorpe reveals himself to be reserved rather than arrogant, considerate, and—blame the mistletoe!—an accomplished kisser. Will Edith hold Oxthorpe's earlier behavior against him, or will she learn that the best holiday gifts can be the most unexpected? Previously published in the Christmas in the Duke's Arms: A Christmas Anthology.