Company Of Spears

Hervey could not suppress a smile of satisfaction. ‘Good morning, Vanneck. Yes, it was.’

The adjutant followed him with a handful of letters.

‘And I may tell you that I have certain news.’

Vanneck saw the distinctly pleased look, and was grateful for it. He had long been troubled by what he perceived as a lack of joy at the heart of his regimental hero.

‘Lady Lankester and I are to be married.’

Vanneck smiled broadly, seeming not at all surprised, and held out his hand. ‘My dear Hervey, my hearty congratulations!’

‘I tell you of course, but I can tell no one else until her people know of it, which I shall have to address myself to soon.’

‘I had no idea that you and Lady Lankester were … on such terms. It seems rather remiss of me, your adjutant.’

Hervey smiled again and shook his head. ‘Think nothing of it. Now, what deeds does the day quake to look upon?’

Vanneck shrugged. ‘Nothing, really. Worsley and the sarn’t-major are both recovering well. Mr Hairsine believes he will return to duty next week. Lightowler’s funeral will be at eleven on Thursday; the coroner has issued the papers. Cornet Roffe delivered your letter to his father in Dartford – decent folk, said Roffe. He arranged for them to be present.’

Hervey nodded approvingly.

‘There were the customary occurrences following pay parade on Saturday. There was no church on Sunday, as you know. The sick reports are usual enough – nothing of any moment in the horse lines. In all, a peaceful time.’ Vanneck raised his eyebrows and lowered his voice. ‘Save in one respect – Johnson.’ Hervey looked alarmed.

‘No, in Johnson’s own case I think all may be well. He’s been a dupe, and an entirely innocent one as far as I can see. If he turns King’s evidence then apparently there’ll be no further action. But I’m afraid that it looks as if Snagge’s the true criminal.’

‘Snagge?’

Vanneck sighed. ‘I know. I could scarcely credit it. But I would ask that you wait for Armstrong to return from quartermaster’s, for he has the detail, and then you may best make whatever decision is necessary.’

‘Very well.’ Hervey thought for a moment. ‘There is no word from the District? About Waltham, I mean.’

‘Not other than a letter addressed personally to you.’

Hervey nodded to the bundle of letters in Vanneck’s hand. ‘Those are all mine?’

‘They are. And two expresses. I would have sent them to Gloucestershire but they arrived only yesterday.’

Vanneck placed the little pile on Hervey’s desk, and withdrew. ‘I’ll come as soon as Armstrong is returned. Shall I have someone bring coffee?’

Hervey shook his head. ‘Just allow me half an hour with these.’

He sat at his desk and began examining each of the half dozen hands. The expresses were unmistakable – his sister’s and his colonel’s. Elizabeth’s at once took priority.

Horningsham,

25th March

My dearest brother,I scarce know how to begin. Captain Peto has made me an offer of marriage, and I am inclined by every instinct to accept! Papa believes it to be a very proper thing and I want therefore to have your blessing before I write back to Captain Peto to give my answer. Georgiana, who is very well, and our parents too, shall remain with me after I am married for as long as she is happy, which I am certain she must be, for although Norfolk is not Wiltshire it is agreeable country and she would be assured of proper company. As you must surely know, Captain Peto is given command of a first-rate in the Mediterranean, and I should so much like my letter to reach him before he leaves to join his ship. And so, dearest brother, if you can revive yourself after the shock of this joyous news, so wholly unexpected that it is, please hasten your reply, for I shall not feel free to give my consent until I receive it.

Your ever affectionate sister,

Elizabeth.