The Plains of Talavera by McDowell Martin

Author:McDowell, Martin [McDowell, Martin]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: FeedARead
Published: 2016-04-26T04:00:00+00:00

oOo

Chapter Seven

Concerns Martial

“I’ve done it!”

“Done what, exactly?”

“Written to Jane, telling her that I am applying for leave, which I’ve said I’m certain will be granted, and when I get home, we’ll be married!”

Drake sat back, causing his ancient chair to creak alarmingly, and treated Carr to his ‘wearied’ look, this used when he suspected that something had been done badly, which could easily have been done much better.

“So that’s that then! All done and dusted, orders issued. Much the same as if you were ordering a new pair of boots!”

Carr looked puzzled and not a little surprised.

“That’s wrong?”

Drake rocked his head from side to side.

“Well, yes and no. It’s just that I have the deepest suspicions that there was nothing in your letter about you desperately looking forward to being man and wife, nothing you want more in this world, undying affection. That sort of thing.”

Carr adopted a pained expression.

“I am much maligned! Unjustly! I did, include such as that, perhaps not as much as you would, but it was there! Yes!”

Then came further thought, searching for facts with which to further defend himself.

“Besides, it was written when we were in Mirabete, when things were a bit fraught!”

Drake laughed.

“Oh, I’m sure that will make all the difference! Can’t include anything about how much I love you, dear. Bad indigestion caused by Spanish beans!”

The pained expression returned.

“Well, I did say some of that romantic stuff. And, besides the letter’s gone off now.”

Drake nodded.

“Well, all I can say, is that when the time comes, you need to be well equipped with posies and presents and such as that.”

Carr frowned.

“Jane’s not one for all that. She’s more serious. Intellectual!”

Drake appeared sceptical.

“If so, she’s the first I’ve heard of that doesn’t appreciate a few flowers and a present all the way from the sunny Peninsula.”

Carr folded his arms, his face pensive.

“Well, we can take care of that, when the time comes. As you say, it will do no harm and will probably do some good.”

Suddenly, he leaned forward on the table between them.

“You should apply as well! We won’t be moving for months with the political situation as it is between Wellesley and the Don Government. Awaiting events from that would be like watching cold treacle run uphill!”

Drake’s face brightened.

“I do believe that you are right. It’s got to make sense to try to get to a healthier place than this is proving to be, even back to a cold Autumn in the dear West Country.”

“On that subject, how are Shakeshaft and Maltby?”

Drake shook his head.

“Flattened! In no real danger, just flattened. No energy, just, you know, can’t cope.”

The comment on health was one widely made throughout the whole army, garrisoned at all three towns. A strange, non-fatal but debilitating sickness was adding to the lists of those excused duty. It had certainly struck those now occupying an outlying barn, large enough for 30 souls, which included the messes of Deakin and Davey. Deakin was the most concerned as he returned with sacks of rations.

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