Small Collection for Christmas

A small-sized but big-hearted collection for Christmas, from the author of The Pursuit of Love.

''Christmas Day was organized by Lady Bobbin with the thoroughness and attention to detail of a general leading his army into battle . . .''

The formidable fox-hunter Lady Bobbin is holding a Christmas house party. Attendees include her rebellious daughter Philadelphia, a pompous suitor, a couple of children poring over newspaper death notices, and a dejected writer whose first serious novel has been declared the funniest book of the year. Add to the mix beautiful ex-courtesan Amabelle Fortescue and her guests staying in a neighbouring cottage and you have a ribald tale of true love and false fidelity, hijinks and low morals, not to mention the consumption of a considerable quantity of Christmas spirit.

''Utter, utter bliss'' Daily Mail

''A dazzling comic delight'' The Times

''Very funny, irresistible'' Spectator