Chapter 14

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Oliver had planned a dinner of Daniel’s favourite foods, followed by long hours in bed. He had a new oil placed by the bed which had clean linen. He had worked out just how he would broach the subject, phrase it, and he had all every possible argument ready for Daniel’s objections. His valet had gone home, and once the housekeeper served dinner she would too leave and they would be alone. Oliver checked his pocket watch. Daniel was a little later than he expected, but as he slid it back the door sounded. He was here. Oliver took a deep breath.

Daniel came into the room leaning heavily on his cane and looking weary. Oliver was at once concerned.

“Have you had a tiring day?”

Daniel looked up. “You might say that,” he said with a sigh. Oliver helped him to divest himself of his outer garments and snatched a kiss as he did so. Daniel smiled a little at that.

Once dinner was served, and the housekeeper gone, he reached out and took Daniel’s hand. “You are terribly quiet.”