The Vein Openers by Richard Moore

Author:Richard Moore [Moore, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-08-20T00:00:00+00:00

XXVIIa

By the time the bugles sounded Firth was already moving with his company towards the eastern ridge. Long French columns had been sighted to the east and most of the army's right wing was quickly being moved to counter the threat.

Riders had galloped up through the regiments relaying orders that demanded instant redeployment and within minutes the campfires had been extinguished with the contents of the smoking kettles being poured over them and the men formed for march.

There were plenty of curses as thirsty men watched as their looked-forward-to drinks were wasted, but they quickly subsided with the excitement of another chance to come to grips with the enemy.

The 29th was at the westernmost tail of the 11 regiments ordered to redeploy and Firth watched as more than 6000 Redcoats disappeared from view in the gully between their original positions and their new objective.

"Fine morning for it, sir," came the now-familiar voice of Sergeant Needham. "Seems like the Frogs are trying to turn us."

"You're right, Sergeant," Firth agreed and when he looked down from his horse to nod to the red-headed man was surprised to see him shaving while walking.

"Sergeant?"

"Oh, don't worry about me sir, never nicked myself once. The lads would love to see it and there's a bit of money going on when that will be."

Firth smiled as Needham quickly finished his work and was about to wipe the remaining soap from his face when a red-faced Major Ricketts rode up.

"What the hell are you doing, Mr Firth," he demanded.

"Sir?"

"We are marching to a battle, not a dance! What do you mean by allowing your men to dawdle along shaving?"

"It's a trick sir, it helps the men …"

"We don't want tricks, Mr Firth, we want men ready to fight. I can see we'll have to instill a bit of discipline around here after this day's efforts. Move your men along and be quick about it, damn your eyes! You are supposed to be an officer."

Firth felt a flare of anger surge in him and he was about to issue a protest at such a comment, when he thought better of it. Although insulted by Ricketts' treatment of him the man was still his commanding officer.

The Major turned his horse and cantered back along the column berating his men to march faster.

"Don't worry about him sir, looks to me like he has the wind up," said Needham. "And, if I may say sir, he's not got over your handling of the regiment at Rolica. Showed him up good and proper it did."

"That was not my intention, thank you Sergeant," Firth responded coolly, gently letting the enlisted man know he was about to step over an unspoken line of respect for senior officers. But silently Firth wondered if Needham was right.

Since Rolica Ricketts had been even tougher on him and the 6th company. While he would never openly admit it, if another opportunity came up to outshine the Major, Firth was looking forward to doing so.

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