Theodora Southern swerved to avoid one of the rowdy guests at the New Year’s Eve celebration at Westerly House. She had had enough of the worst Christmas house party ever. She glanced behind her, but Maynard Buxton, the bane of her existence, was doing his best to coax one of the serving maids into a corner for a kiss without the benefit of mistletoe. Garrick, Lord Westerly, whom she had known since childhood but seen rarely during the war years, had forbidden mistletoe this Christmas, except in the servants’ quarters. At first, Theodora had been dismayed—she’d hoped for a kiss from Garrick. But on the other hand, it meant less of having to be on one’s guard. Or it should do, but something was most peculiar about this party. There was always some illicit behaviour at house parties, and this one was a fortnight long, making a few affaires unavoidable. But this year Westerly House seemed to sizzle with sensual desire. Thank heavens the first wassail ritual, in which the villagers made a lot of noise and clamour to rid the great house of evil spirits, was over.
What do You think about Under A New Year's Enchantment?
