have opinions on what has changed and what is needed.”
“The more we learn, the better, though I’m not sure how much Colonel Duval can do. But learning the situation is the vital first step.” He pulled on his coat. He’d sometimes envied the 95th Rifles because their dark green uniforms didn’t make as good a target as the red worn by most British troops. But when one wasn’t actually being shot at, the scarlet uniform was impressive.
With a wry smile, he tried to remember the last time he’d cared about impressing a woman. Too long.
He tugged the short jacket down. The buff facings and silver lace were intact, but he thought ruefully that the uniform had seen its share of war and had the wounds to prove it. Murphy had become adept at mending slices from French sabers or scorched powder marks when a bullet hadn’t quite hit him.
On the plus side, wearing a uniform meant never having to decide what to wear. He’d actually have to think about clothing when he was a civilian again. Smiling a little at the thought, Will headed downstairs to the Olivieras’ apartment, with Murphy at his heels. He was greeted warmly by Sergeant Gilberto and his parents.
“Major Masterson.” Señor Oliviera bowed deeply. “I thank you for bringing my son home.”
“I didn’t,” Will protested. “Sergeant Oliviera and his men are highly skilled soldiers who had no need of me.”
“No doubt,” the older man said with a glint of amusement, “but I cannot thank the entire British Army for what it has done for all of us on the Peninsula. So I thank you.”
Understanding the need to offer thanks, Will said, “On behalf of the British, I accept your thanks, but truly, our victory came of many allies working together.”
That being settled, it was time to address the more serious issue of breakfast. The meal was limited to the adult members of the family, which kept the noise level down.
As Murphy said, the British were honored guests and the meal provided was lavish with sweet pastries, Spanish omelets made with fried potatoes, and ham shaved so thin it was almost transparent. Will hoped that a month’s worth of food supplies hadn’t been used up for this one breakfast, and honored the hospitality by eating with gusto. It was the best meal he’d had in weeks.
He’d hoped Athena would join them for breakfast, but she didn’t appear until the meal was over. He was draining his coffee cup when she swept into the dining room, her vitality bringing the whole room alive. She gave Will a swift smile before greeting the Olivieras. He felt an instant of paralyzed shock and again the word “magnificent” sizzled through his mind.
She was dressed for a day on horseback, but instead of a woman’s riding habit, she wore a short brown Spanish jacket embroidered in gold over a crisp masculine white shirt. Her tan divided skirt swirled provocatively above her ankles and in her medium-heeled riding boots, she was almost as tall as Will. Magnificent indeed.
As she removed her flat-brimmed hat, she said, “If the time is not inconvenient, I would like to take Major Masterson to meet Prince Alfonso.”
Señor Oliviera rose. “I shall escort you and make the introductions, Lady Athena.”
Will was impatient for his ride with Athena, but manners must be observed, and that meant meeting the regent. The three of them ascended a floor to the public rooms. As Will’s footsteps echoed across vast, richly furnished spaces, he said, “There doesn’t seem to have been any looting here in the castle. I assume the French were unable to break in?”
Señor Oliviera looked as if he would have spat if not indoors. “You are correct. We were able to preserve the royal treasures of San Gabriel. More precious are the lives of my countrymen. Many more would have died if not for Lady Athena.”
Athena made a deprecatory wave of her hand, but Will decided that was a story he must hear before the day was over. He would have asked immediately,
“The more we learn, the better, though I’m not sure how much Colonel Duval can do. But learning the situation is the vital first step.” He pulled on his coat. He’d sometimes envied the 95th Rifles because their dark green uniforms didn’t make as good a target as the red worn by most British troops. But when one wasn’t actually being shot at, the scarlet uniform was impressive.
With a wry smile, he tried to remember the last time he’d cared about impressing a woman. Too long.
He tugged the short jacket down. The buff facings and silver lace were intact, but he thought ruefully that the uniform had seen its share of war and had the wounds to prove it. Murphy had become adept at mending slices from French sabers or scorched powder marks when a bullet hadn’t quite hit him.
On the plus side, wearing a uniform meant never having to decide what to wear. He’d actually have to think about clothing when he was a civilian again. Smiling a little at the thought, Will headed downstairs to the Olivieras’ apartment, with Murphy at his heels. He was greeted warmly by Sergeant Gilberto and his parents.
“Major Masterson.” Señor Oliviera bowed deeply. “I thank you for bringing my son home.”
“I didn’t,” Will protested. “Sergeant Oliviera and his men are highly skilled soldiers who had no need of me.”
“No doubt,” the older man said with a glint of amusement, “but I cannot thank the entire British Army for what it has done for all of us on the Peninsula. So I thank you.”
Understanding the need to offer thanks, Will said, “On behalf of the British, I accept your thanks, but truly, our victory came of many allies working together.”
That being settled, it was time to address the more serious issue of breakfast. The meal was limited to the adult members of the family, which kept the noise level down.
As Murphy said, the British were honored guests and the meal provided was lavish with sweet pastries, Spanish omelets made with fried potatoes, and ham shaved so thin it was almost transparent. Will hoped that a month’s worth of food supplies hadn’t been used up for this one breakfast, and honored the hospitality by eating with gusto. It was the best meal he’d had in weeks.
He’d hoped Athena would join them for breakfast, but she didn’t appear until the meal was over. He was draining his coffee cup when she swept into the dining room, her vitality bringing the whole room alive. She gave Will a swift smile before greeting the Olivieras. He felt an instant of paralyzed shock and again the word “magnificent” sizzled through his mind.
She was dressed for a day on horseback, but instead of a woman’s riding habit, she wore a short brown Spanish jacket embroidered in gold over a crisp masculine white shirt. Her tan divided skirt swirled provocatively above her ankles and in her medium-heeled riding boots, she was almost as tall as Will. Magnificent indeed.
As she removed her flat-brimmed hat, she said, “If the time is not inconvenient, I would like to take Major Masterson to meet Prince Alfonso.”
Señor Oliviera rose. “I shall escort you and make the introductions, Lady Athena.”
Will was impatient for his ride with Athena, but manners must be observed, and that meant meeting the regent. The three of them ascended a floor to the public rooms. As Will’s footsteps echoed across vast, richly furnished spaces, he said, “There doesn’t seem to have been any looting here in the castle. I assume the French were unable to break in?”
Señor Oliviera looked as if he would have spat if not indoors. “You are correct. We were able to preserve the royal treasures of San Gabriel. More precious are the lives of my countrymen. Many more would have died if not for Lady Athena.”
Athena made a deprecatory wave of her hand, but Will decided that was a story he must hear before the day was over. He would have asked immediately,
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