For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been perfectly happy as a widow - and thoroughly independent. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him. Sebastian will come into his inheritance in a matter of weeks - if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no better way to prove his maturity than with a home and a wife.
But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she steadfastly refuses to marry. However, Sebastian has a plan: an intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change Veronica’s mind. For Sebastian never takes "no" for an answer. And even in the midst of mischief-making relatives and unexpected complications, he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together - in this and every season to come.