Captain Charles Hawkins has returned from the Napoleonic wars desperate for solitude. When the man who saved his life asks a favour, he feels honour bound to agree, but the request fills him with horror.<br><br>Sebastian Farrah knows the only useful thing he can do with his life is join Wellington’s army. He has tried everything else and failed. He agrees to his brother’s ridiculous request to spend a month in the country because it is the only way his brother will agree to purchase him a commission.<br><br>Charles and Sebastian clash but quickly form a bond that deepens into much more. However, they are running out of time. Charles begs Sebastian to stay, but Sebastian knows to do so he will be forced to reveal what it is that stopped him from succeeding in everything. The shameful secret he carries from the schoolroom.

Promises

Farrah looked up and saw him. He looked at him. Directly at him. His mouth opened a fraction, but then he dropped his gaze and looked uncomfortable. He ran a hand around the back of his neck. Looked at the ground and Charles’ heart froze. Did he know? Did he guess?


He felt ill. His heart beat like a crazed thing so he did the only thing that he could. He turned and walked back into the house. Into the coolness. Into the silence.7


Chapter 12