One boy abandoned by a greedy, gambling father... Another boy watches his father slowly dying... A lasting friendship that will see them through the hard times—and beyond... Christmas is coming to Gillingham, the country seat of Reid Baker, Duke of Gilford, and home to Dunwood Academy, a school for boys run by the Duchess of Gilford. Ashlyn is with child after their recent marriage, and all seems right in their world—until two visitors bring upsetting news. One is Viscount Dalworth, whose son, Thomas, is a new student at the academy. Shy and withdrawn because of his mother’s recent death, Thomas is finally coming out of his shell, thanks to his friendship with scholarship student Edward Pickens. The viscount is on the prowl for a wealthy wife and chooses to attend a house party during the holidays, informing Ashlyn that Thomas is an inconvenience, and he must remain at school during the Christmas holidays. The other visitor is the local doctor, who brings heartbreaking news of Edward’s father, a local farmer who is dying of winter fever. Because of their situations, the young friends will remain with Reid and Ashlyn over their Christmas break. Though heartbreak occurs, both Edward and Thomas mature, and their friendship will endure for many Yuletides to come. (Note: This story was first published as part of the Dragonblade Publishing Boxed set, O Night Divine, December 2020)