Ensign James Rowland was fortunate to return from Waterloo unscathed at least in body. But guilt from that terrible battle has left him almost mute and crushed in spirit. Only in the company of sweet, compassionate Lucy Williams, a volunteer at the Veterans' Group in Bath, does he begin to feel happiness is within reach. Penniless governesses can't afford dreams of romance. Lucy Williams is resigned to lifelong spinsterhood until James enters her life. His mother opposes the match. Lucy herself is sure the chasm between their ranks is too wide. But now that she has helped heal James, he intends to overcome every obstacle between them and emerge victorious in the battle for her love.