God Help Ye, Merry Gentleman — Mariana Gabrielle

Lord Abersham and Lady Sarah are the best of friends and too young for affairs of the heart -- but they are growing up fast. After nine months touring the Continent with his parents, Toad Abersham will soon be sent away to finish his education, and Sally Grenford has years to wait before she is old enough to be presented at Court and married to the man she's loved since the cradle. Sally has only four weeks filled with mistletoe and holiday outings to convince Toad to see her as a woman, in her first long dress, impeded by the sudden distance he is placing between them. But she has never let Toad's reticence stop her from dragging him into mischief before. Toad battles rising lustful feelings for his best friend, an innocent whom he would not hurt for the world. However, still captivated by his newly acquired skills as a rake-about-town, he is not remotely prepared to be married. But since he has never been able to say no to Sally, Toad is led to indiscretions he would never commit with another young lady. For her part, Sally is delighted Toad can be so easily led. This collection also includes other short stories about Toad, Sal, their parents, cousins, and friends, offering hours of enjoyment during your holiday season.