William Through Time by Harmke Buursma

Author:Harmke Buursma
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harmke Buursma

16

A Midnight Snack

My dreams were plaguing me. It was another restless night tossing and turning, getting tangled up in my own sheets, seeing the faces of the men who died at the battlefield whenever I closed my eyes. I'd be glad when Captain Tremblay left in the morning. He could proposition me again, but I would never accept his offer; I was finished with wearing a uniform.

His personality had been grating on me all day. Flirting with Beth, regaling everyone with heroic war stories which weren't remotely true, pretending we were friends. I was grinding my teeth through dinner when he started talking about my stay at the field hospital.

"Captain Tremblay," I said as a warning.

He opened his arms and in a smarmy tone, announced, "We are amongst friends here."

John tried to cut in. "Perhaps we should talk about something else. Will, doesn't—"

"Nonsense." Captain Tremblay waved his hand to show how ridiculous he found John's comment. "I'm sure Mr. Chambers has told you all about Ligny and the nurses at the field hospital who took such good care of him." I clenched my jaw when he pointed at me. "Look how well his cheek healed. I dare say, it is a talking point for the ladies now." He shot me an exaggerated wink. "You'll have to join me at an outing in London." He lifted a glass of wine to his lips.

Austin tried to change the subject, directing his attention to Beth, in hopes that her bubbly and talkative nature would take over the room. "Have you decided what you and Ms. Blakeley will go as for Mrs. Ashbrook's masquerade?"

"Well, Anne and I have been discussing it," Beth said. "But we haven't decided. I would like to keep it a surprise." She turned to Captain Tremblay. "Do you like masquerades?"

He gazed at Beth in a way I didn't like. "Yes, masquerades are quite fun. You never know who lurks where," he said, lowering his voice for dramatic effect. Beth gave her best efforts, but eventually, Captain Tremblay managed to turn the conversation back to me.

"Is that why you don't want to take my offer?" he said to me.

"Why?" John asked him nonplussed by the vague question.

Captain Tremblay turned his face into a charade of pity. "Because Mr. Chambers was in quite a state when I found him at the field hospital, calling out, crying and begging to be relieved from life itself."

Rose jumped up. "I've heard enough. We've offered you our hospitality since you appeared to be a friend of William. Now I know that isn't true. Who would dare speak about his friend like this?" Rose said angrily. "Calling you an acquaintance would be too good."

Captain Tremblay grabbed a napkin and patted his lips. Then, lowering it slowly, he said," I can tell when I am not wanted. It is too late to leave, so I shall retire to my room."

"I think that is for the best," John said. Captain Tremblay stood with great airs and huffed as he walked away.

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