Hampshire, 1816. Garrick, Lord Westerly, has forbidden the hanging of mistletoe, yet the holiday house party at his country estate sizzles with sensual desire. And though Theodora Southern decided long ago never to marry, she has been enjoying the erotic fantasies that haunt her each night - fantasies featuring her handsome, brooding host.
Since returning from the war, Garrick has been in no mood to celebrate. But suddenly the nightmares that plague him are making way for much more pleasant dreams - dreams in which his childhood friend Theodora is very much a grown woman. The question is, has he fallen in love - or fallen under a wicked spell?