Synopsis
Major Jack Howard, a weary veteran of the Peninsular Wars, has just returned to England and intends to return to an unwelcoming family home for Christmas. But when a pompous secretary gives him too many orders, Jack hops on the next stagecoach leaving London inn, not caring where it’s going. Too much whisky to stave off freezing leaves him sleeping it off in a different inn, and when an attractive young woman asks if he’s Jack Howard he happily goes home with her.
Despite vile weather, Meg Lambert drives to the local inn to collect her brother’s friend Jack Howard, but since she’s never met the man, she doesn’t realize that she’s brought home the wrong Jack Howard. Jack realizes her mistake when he awakes the next morning with an aching head—but he finds a warmth and welcome with Meg and her family that he’s yearned for all his life. He can’t bring himself to admit that he’s a cuckoo in her nest—but what will happen when Meg’s brother and the right Jack Howard turn up for Christmas???
My Thoughts
I first read this novella years ago and loved it then. A re-read, allbeit an audio one, beautifully narrated by Siohban Waring, added an extra treat to what was already a seasonal favourite.
All the characters are endearing, especially Jack and Meg. On second thoughts, perhaps not Jack's aunt, the countess, who sounded a formidable lady, nor her secretary, the aptly named Mr Weezle, who Jack escapes from regardless of his destination.
This delightful story brought to mind The Cockermouth Mail by Dinah Dean (my review), another novel I'd recommend for some light-hearted and thoroughly magical Christmas reading!
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