Festive mischief, magical meddling and an opinionated cat
The Christmas tree in Grounds for Gossip is missing one very important bauble ? magical, Venetian and stolen by someone who should have known better. Lady Clawdia takes theft very personally. Especially when the thief's poor timing threatens a perfectly good bit of destiny.
Gertie Goodspell insists she isn't ready for romance. Detective Inspector Leo Ward ? steady, quietly dazzling and the man she once kissed and then politely avoided thinking about ? is a dangerous exception. He hasn't forgotten either, but they've both become experts at hesitating with great professionalism.
Clawdia has had quite enough of this. Someone must retrieve the bauble, restore the magic and give fate a firm, well-aimed shove. Preferably before humans overcomplicate matters as they always do.
With snow falling, old feelings stirring and one determined cat orchestrating events from above eye level, this cosy Christmas short story is about gentle beginnings, quiet courage and a familiar who refuses to let love (or common sense) go to waste.
