One Winter's Ball

In this novella variation on Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy is late to Netherfield. Jane and Bingley are almost engaged, and Elizabeth Bennet already feels sympathy for the unknown gentleman who is to be Caroline Bingley's Christmas prey.

Meanwhile Helen Wheeler, a young mother returning to Meryton after her husband was killed in a mine collapse, is seeking a fresh start. A chance encounter with the head groom at Netherfield, a man who always had a soft spot for Helen, draws them into the Netherfield crowd. Soon she isn't certain who needs him more, her son or herself.

As Darcy struggles with his feelings for Elizabeth, Wickham schemes, and Helen grieves, there is more than one happy ending to be found in the snow-covered wonder of a winter's ball.

Is everything made easy? Certainly not! But several gentlemen finally understand why mistletoe is made much of at Christmastime.