Edward Steele has enjoyed a great adventure in Africa with his brother, Henry. But now Henry has headed for England, and Edward, ready to be home as well, is close behind him. As Edward packs his belongings, only one thought is in his heart: to arrive in Collingbourne before Christmas. He can't imagine anything that might change this plan--but that's before he meets Denley and Osborne. Denley and Osborne are traveling together, but they are as different as night and day. Aboard ship Osborne chooses to ignore everyone while Denley and Edward find themselves much together. They are not long into the journey before Denley begins to feel unwell. By the time the ship makes a stop in Lisbon, Portugal, he is very sick indeed. Not able to ignore his traveling companion's plight, Edward abandons his goal of going on to England and disembarks with Denely and Osborne. He never dreams that his association with them will lead to the mysterious Nicola Bettencourt, a woman who captivates and confounds him in equal measures. This tender story of the steadfast friendship and the mystery of love will delight the hearts of new readers as well as Lori's loyal audience.
