The Rakehell Regency(273)

"'With the colors flying and the bagpipes skirling, it was truly a terrifyingly grand moment, one I would never have wanted to miss and will remember as long as I live. We charged two ranks deep in a line and the enemy fell away like so many dominoes.



"'Wellington was so delighted with the victory against all odds that he rode onto the field and shook Hill's hand in front of us all. He declared to Hill, 'The day's your own.'



"'I still feel a lump in my throat as I write this. But I also have to say that never have I see a road and river run so thickly with blood as it did during that fateful battle. The French lost over six thousand men, and to top it all off, as I found out later, another two thousand Germans.



"'They actually marched into the British camp, handed over their weapons, and asked to be repatriated to their home in Nassau. We agreed and they shipped out. Napoleon's reliance upon foreign troops from countries he subjugated was a foolish plan. Human nature can never be forced, no matter what the means of coercion.'"



"How remarkable!" Henry exclaimed. "Bravo to the Germans."



"'One final piece of news which you will find amusing is that Hill actually swore for the second time in the entire campaign. The first time of course was at Talavera, to rally his men. The second time was when he found the cowardly Peacocke beating some Portuguese soldiers after he had turned tail and run.



"'Rowland Hill is truly a prince amongst men, and is always a fascinating contrast to General Picton, who as you all know Wellington thinks is the most rough and foul-mouthed man who ever lived, though a superb soldier.



"'Well, that's all I have time for. Blake sends his love as well, and is due for leave if he chooses to take it. I'm hoping he will, and can get to see you all. He's been working far too hard for far too long, and neglects his own health to help others. Please keep the letters coming. You have no idea how good it is to hear your news.



"'Do kiss baby Arthur and your wife for me, Clifford, as well as Henry, Jo, and Malcolm Branson. Thomas, do kiss Charlotte for me. I hope you will be expecting an addition to the family soon, and I can't wait to meet our new lady Rakehells.



"'Jonathan, best wishes as always, and I pray for a miracle for you every day. Love to Sarah, and tell her many thanks for the muffler. It was most kind of her to think of me. I'm sure she won't mind knowing that much as I appreciated it, her gift went to Lieutenant Winchester to comfort him in his hour of need. I shall not describe his injury in detail except to say he would be singing soprano in the heavenly choir if the musket ball had been a fraction to the right."



Every man in the room winced, while Pamela looked appalled and Sarah shocked but mildly amused.



"'Major Grinstead is waiting for this packet to take to London for me, so adieu for now. Yours with all my love, Michael.'"



The five friends sat solemnly for a moment.



Jonathan broke the silence at last. "Do you mind if we pray?"



"Not at all, old chap," Clifford replied, his voice thick with emotion. "I would be more upset if we didn't."



Jonathan scanned over the letter to mention each fallen comrade by name, then added Michael and his whole family to the list, then all the Rakehells and their family and friends. He finished with the Lord's Prayer. and they all said "Amen," most fervidly.



"And now, if you don't mind, I should like to write back at once," Clifford said.



"And I," Jonathan added. He looked over at Pamela. "Do you mind?"



"Not at all," she said sincerely. "Clifford, Henry, do your wives have any spare knitting wool and needles? I must admit I spend a lot of time doing fancy work, and sitting about chattering idly. The least I can do is knit mufflers and socks whilst I do so. "



Jonathan rose from his seat, and rested his hand upon her shoulder. "Bless you, my dear."



Henry rose too. "I shall find some for you both, never you fear."



Pamela heaved a huge sigh. "I never thought, never knew." She shook her head pityingly.



"You're young," Sarah said kindly. "You can't be blamed for not suspecting. I myself wouldn't know were it not for Jonathan. Even then, the letters home can often be censored. The papers don't always tell the whole truth either."



Pamela looked at Jonathan with even more awe. He was so young, handsome, intelligent. How he must have suffered.



He caught her admiring gaze. "I don't want you to imagine from all this that I was some sort of hero, Miss Ashton. Anyone can kill. Even a young lady, for sufficient cause. Self-preservation, or justice, for example."