George Percy, the hot headed and impetuous Earl of Bristol, son of the Duke of Northumberland is in Spain fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. George is keen to fight in the battle, but due to his rank as a Colonel he sees little action. He pays one of his men, who has similar looks to swap uniforms in order to take his place on the front line. The British are defeated, and the “Colonel” is identified as being one of the dead. The rest of the troops are taken prisoner.
Back home, the news hits his father hard and on Christmas Day tragedy takes place. The younger brother succeeds to the Dukedom, as the world believes George to be dead. Not only that, but Henry also marries the women George was betrothed too.
Matters unravel quickly when the war ends and the prisoners are released.
George hears terrible stories about his brother’s behaviour, his marriage and how he is spreading vile lies. He returns to his home, where he hides until he plans a grand reveal at his brother’s Christmas Ball. During this time, he finds himself falling in love with Antonia, the girl he used to play with as a child and the daughter of their cook. A girl that society could never accept as a Duchess.
As Christmas approaches George finds himself torn between reclaiming what is rightfully his and the hand of the beautiful young woman that he loves.
An exciting and entertaining new story from Elizabeth Downton, full of betrayal, romance and gripping escapade…