The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC February competition voters’ comments
 
Clue no. 1: 1 Dec Mate entertained the only new English mistress excitedly at first, as reconciliation

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A clue to ATONEMENT.
2 comments refer to this clue (from 2 competitors, 0 others)

Here is the text

Comments on the clue
1.I can’t make sense of the surface reading
2.1 Dec mate seems obscure – why the one?