THE fire in the great hall burned brightly to welcome Lady Dunstone’s guests to the event of the season, the Dunstone Manor Christmas Ball. The Manor was splendid this year. Snow glittered on the tree

MAUD had been looking forward to finally getting her decorations out again. And now with a whole afternoon at her disposal she was really going to savour the experience and make it something special.

NOELLE ignored the knock the first time she had heard it, believing it to be a branch from the buddleia bush, beside the door, brushing the window. It was a foul December night. The snow threatening a

Gemma was wrapping a Christmas present when her husband got in from work, but as soon as she heard his key in the lock, she rushed into the hall. “I’ve done something naughty,” she blurted out. “Like

OK? Ready?” “Yep.” Fi smiled at Brand. She then picked up the bags full of presents, hoping her face had been convincing. There had been a time when she’d loved these family gatherings at Christmas bu

GINNY glanced nervously at the tree and the gifts beneath it. She hoped she’d done the right thing. “It’ll be fine, love,” John said, putting an arm round her shoulder. “They’re our grandkids. They’ll