Major Oliver Thornley never expected to see the man who saved his life at the battle of Waterloo again. He certainly never expected to fall over him in the street. When Thornley stumbles over a pile of rags, he is horrified to discover it is the man who dragged him from the battlefield to safety.<br><br>Taking the man back to his Mayfair home, Thornley nurses Daniel back to health as he battles with his own forbidden desires. Then he learns Daniel shares his feelings, as well. Though it feels so right when they are in each other’s arms, Thornley knows their mutual secret could see them hang.<br><br>Is there a way for them to be together despite the class difference that separates them? Can he admit he’s fallen in love before Daniel leaves for good?

Fallen

“Here,” Oliver said as he sat them both on the edge of the bed. Simpson was trembling against him. “Please lie back and rest. Please.” He moved so Simpson could roll back against the pillows, and when the man didn’t protest, he pulled the covers up over him. Simpson closed his eyes and left them closed.


“I will get you something to eat,” Oliver murmured.


Simpson stayed in bed so Oliver kept away in the hope that if they didn’t argue he wouldn’t feel compelled to leave, but by afternoon he couldn’t keep away. He tapped at the door and entered to find Dixon settling the new coat on Simpson’s shoulders. Oliver found it hard to breathe for a moment. Simpson’s hair was clean and brushed, shining gold in the weak afternoon sun. He was dressed simply, but elegantly. Cravat tied to a nicety and blue cutaway coat that sat well. Dixon, bless his heart, had found a walking stick with a gold handle and Simpson leaned on it as he stood.


“You look well,” was all Oliver could manage.


Chapter 5