You did it! We figured this one out! It is a truth universally acknowledged (by me for certain) that the Bitchery pretty much knows everything, and really, it's true. Scroll down to see the solution for this HaBO - and many thanks!
This HaBO request comes from Ruth, who is looking for a novella that may be part of an anthology:
I’m searching for a novella that was in one of those classic Christmas romance anthologies, usually four tales in a paperback. I believe this one was by Edith Layton, but I’m not 100% sure. I’ve searched many of those old anthologies for this particular tale, but have never found it.
What I remember is that it was quite magical, set in the fall/winter season, and the young woman spies the man— he’s beautiful, and I believe he wears brown—it’s important because he’s part of nature and part of the mystical festive season. She may see him ice skating. Or she’s ice skating? He turns out to be a magical creature, perhaps a fairy, who appears each Thanksgiving or Christmas. She goes in pursuit of him, and because it’s a romance there’s a happy ending.
This story has haunted me for years, like a dream I can’t quite grasp…
I’m not big on holiday romances, but I may make an exception for this.
A Love for All Seasons
by
Edith Layton
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Oh, that sounds delightful… I really, really hope someone knows because after a day with stress so front loaded I spent most of it with this weird kind of “hot cheeks and adrenalin shakes” feeling, I could do with a little magic in my life.
Is it The Enchanted Earl by Barbara Metzger?
On the most magical night of the year, a practical young widow makes a wish. When fate sends her an old magician claiming to be The Enchanted Earl of her dreams-and wanting a kiss-she wonders if, just once, she should let herself believe in magic.
https://www.fictiondb.com/title/an-enchanted-christmas~barbara-metzger~1172935.htm
Could it be one of the stories in A Love for All Seasons by Edith Layton? There’s a story set in each season of the year, and at least some of them have magical or fantasy elements.
The woo woo factor made me think of Sandra Heath. The Solid Silver Chess Set was a contender but I don’t think it’s a match. It was in A Regency Christmas IX. I think I used to own it, but gave away most of my paper books so can’t check to verify/eliminate.
Good luck!
“Holiday Historical with Ice Skating” is like “the episode where they almost get off the island but Gilligan ruins it”, lol
Wondering if all the stories in the anthology have to do with magical/paranormal creatures? If so, right up my alley.
Could it be this:
“ The Merry Wanderer by Nancy Butler
Robin Goodfellow is not exactly what he appears to be when he presents himself at Arden House, the home of Julia, Lady of Islay. Nearing the end of her year of mourning, Julia is now facing the possible loss of her home and her younger brother, when the charming stranger intrudes into her very life. He does seem to be a bit strange, but then, so was her father. And so, yet, is her cousin, who is the threat to her happiness. After a bit of determination, and some help from friendly spirits, Robin finds himself forced to choose between his former legendary life-style, and a new, more mortal one. With help from Julia-and her younger brother, Harry-he makes the right, the only choice possible, bringing a Merry Yuletide to all.”
from Regency Christmas Spirits, 2001
OOOHI want to know!
Thank you so much, everyone! Melanie– special thank to you! It was “Autumn Leaves” from Edith Layton’s A Love for all Seasons. I had some details wrong– no ice skating, but they met in the park; she wore brown, not him; and he was a human Earl entranced by a wicked Lady, but they were reenacting the enchantment of Tamerlane. Finding the tale after all these years feels as magical as the tale of Tamerlane! Thank you, Smart Bitches!
@Ruth – Yay!
@Ruth, I’m so happy I could help.