Controlling the Sword — Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Because he lost his arm in the war against Napoleon, Nicholas cannot return to Society. The ton will reject him. Now, he lives in solitude on his estate, claiming he prefers it.

Then a child arrives. A young boy who reminds him of his past. A boy who threatens his present. A boy who must be dealt with to ensure Nicholas' own future.

“Rusch's short fiction is golden.”
-- Kansas City Star