Cotillion Christmas Traditions — Ellora's Cave

Twelve Days of Christmas by Barbara Miller
Tamara's younger brother plans to spend Christmas at Oakley Park rather than with her in their London home. That simply will not do. She's heard gossip about Lord Oakley and the scandalous holiday “celebrations” he's indulged in since leaving the army. She sets out at once to rescue her brother from his clutches. But rather than finding a debauched rake, she finds a man broken from his experiences in the war. Though it has been nearly two years since his injury, Lord Oakley -- Ashford -- still hasn't quite recovered. He knows his family followed certain traditions over the Twelve Days of Christmas, but he can't recall what they were. When Tamara arrives at Oakley Park, he finds a kindred spirit -- someone as wounded by life as he's been. Someone who seems more than willing to help him face the past. Together, they set out on a journey of discovery and remembrance and find out just how magical the holidays can be.

Lydia's Christmas Charade by Saralee Etter
This story features some characters also seen in A Limited Engagement. Dutiful, practical Lydia Potts knew that her father, a wealthy commoner, planned to announce her engagement to a nobleman at their Christmas house party. But she didn't expect her prospective fiancé to be in love with another woman! Anthony wasn't usually so reckless but something about the unknown lady's sweet manner and big pansy-brown eyes made him want to share a bit of juicy gossip with her. Everybody knew Lord Danville needed to marry an heiress to save his family from financial ruin, but nobody but Anthony would mention it to the heiress herself. To fix the mess he's created, Anthony must woo Lydia on his noble friend's behalf -- and Lydia will have to decide between duty and desire.

A Christmas Caroline by Christa Paige & Vivien Jackson
Lady Caroline Selwyn's world centers on her father, so when she receives dire news of his health -- two days before Christmas, no less -- her first thought is to weep. Her second is to make this Christmastide the best he's ever known. She rummages in memory for festive traditions, plans charades, purchases bean cakes…and acquires an affianced husband. Oh, not a real one -- what she does is convince Papa's physician to pretend an engagement, for just a few weeks. Doctor Samuel Avery can hardly credit his complicity in this madcap deception. Whatever was he thinking? But it does seem to improve the comfort of the earl, and his own sisters are in alt at the idea of his impending nuptials. And he has admired Caroline for so long, the role of her betrothed is easy to play. In fact, the scheme seems in every way perfect. Except that it is not true.

Festive Persuasion by Charlene Roberts
A false rumor about Lord Trevor's tenuous connection to a murder circulates within the ton. He and his family have successfully defeated the lie, but at a cost. He has made the painful decision to relinquish any hope of pursuing Lady Sophia Weston, as Lord Trevor is afraid the lady will never look upon him favorably again. Lady Sophia tolerates persistent visits from Lord Walter, yet she knows her heart belongs to Lord Trevor, despite his stubborn honor and determination to stay away. During the Christmas season, Lady Sophia must show Lord Trevor -- through gentle persuasion -- that her feelings for him have not changed, and fight off Lord Walter, who will do anything to win her affections.