Merry's Christmas — Mona Gedney

Can the spirit of the season work its charms on a confirmed bachelor's heart?

Devlin Carlton, the perpetually unmarried Earl of Barrisford, has only one responsibility -- his own pleasure. That is, until his solicitor arrives with the news that he has been named guardian to the high-spirited Melville children. Determined to arrange proper supervision for the brood and continue on his way, Devlin is aghast to learn that he is expected to make his home with them at Merton Park, where their lovely older sister Meredith Melville is equally resolved to prove that she has no need of his help... and no interest in his charms.

"Merry" Melville is anything but. The pressing needs of her unruly siblings and her new guardian's unnecessary meddling have dampened her Christmas spirit quite effectively. An invitation to town, courtesy of Devlin's grandmother, the dowager countess of Barrisford, is an unexpected gift of freedom from care -- and from the man who has become dangerously attractive to her. Accepting an offer of marriage from another admirer seems to be the sensible course of action... unless Devlin can persuade her that love is rarely sensible, and that the best gifts are often the ones you never dare dream about.

Hero: Devlin Carlton, Earl of Barrisford
Heroine: Merry Melville