Anne Elliot is glad to remain at Uppercross for Christmas, delaying the inevitable removal to Bath and embracing the festivities with her friends, even if that circle includes the man she has never stopped loving, even though they are little more than strangers now.
Captain Wentworth is spending Christmas in Somerset with his sister and her husband, and whilst he is enjoying being amongst friends and family for the festive season he can't help but think how different his life might have been if only he had repaired things with Anne Elliot when he had the chance. Late on Christmas Eve he makes a wish and is granted the opportunity to see what his life might have been life if he had done just that...