It is a truth universally acknowledged that a widowed Earl must be in want of a wifeโor so Marcus Stanthorpeโs grandmother believes. Marcus had done what was necessary to ensure an heir, but now has no patience for his grandmotherโs matchmaking. Spending the holidays with his friends, his son, and his valet, William Haworth, brings him enough contentment.
But when a family emergency calls Haworth to London, Marcusโs contentment reveals itself to be fickle. Suddenly he realizes how much William has come to mean to him. But William has never indicated he shares Marcusโs preferences. Can the comforts of the holiday season bring two lonely men joy?