Sharpe's Exploits

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Sharpe waved at the picquet commander, a youngish lieutenant no doubt out getting some experience with the lads. Captain de Avellanos's introduction seemed to suffice - except that the boy wanted to talk to the British officer before letting this mixed bag anywhere near HQ. Not that Sharpe blamed him.

They exchanged the time of day and then Sharpe nodded to de Avellanos to continue the line of march. He'd acted roughly correctly during the encounter - seemingly alert and watchful - but there was something wrong with the way he'd been watching the cavalry and not his prisoner.

Sharpe groaned. At least they were at HQ now - the damage that the charmed Spaniard could inflict was now almost nothing. His biggest worry was that Justine would tempt the young man to support her in a bid for freedom during the transit, and that had proved groundless.

Now they nodded to the sentries and passed inside the lines of the Army HQ. Lord Wellington would be near the center, Richard knew, and it was in this direction that he led the ragtag group.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"Isn't this terribly exciting Madmoiselle Savage? I'm sure you will appreciate the importance of meeting with Milord Wellington, even though you have to do so in the company of Major Sharpe."

She winked at Kate in a very suggestive a manner. "As I told Major Sharpe, I have yet to indulge in any Sapphic passions but I daresay that you strike me as someone whom could change my mind."

Justine had kept her eyes focused on Sharpe throughout the lewd exchange, smiling and even hinting at licking her lips as she saw the younger woman's blush.

They had come close to Wellington's quarters and she had hoped that by now Sharpe would be worked up enough to lose his temper.

"Ten guineas Major? That's a suitable price for the whore is it not?"

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Placing a restraining hand on Kate's arm, Sharpe spoke in a conversational tone, trying to resist the temptation to clout the maddening woman with the back of his hand.

"Miss Savage, as I told you earlier, is not for hire - even should you have the money you offered, which I doubt. Also, I rather believe her to be more fond of men than women. In any event, since we're discussing working for pay - here's Lord Wellington's quarters now. Wouldn't you be better served considering how you intend to achieve the task for which YOU are being paid?"

Sharpe brought his horse to a stop in front of an Inn, the only permanent structure in the whole HQ. A staff officer came out with a few orderlies to see to the horses and enquire what the group wished. De Avellanos would probably give the same speech he gave to the picquets, but Sharpe preempted it.

"Major Sharpe of the South Essex with a prisoner and escort, Major. I rather need some of Lord Wellington's time, I'm afraid. It might well be urgent." he told the man.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage / Justine de Villiers

"Madam it is not my habit to answer such things but let me assure you one thing. If you ever step within a yard from my person I will kill you myself."

Kate was blushing with anger as well as shame at the mere suggestion of such practices that de Villiers had uttered. She shook her head in disgust before getting of the horse. Thankful that she would not have to address her further.

Justine had smiled throughout Sharpe's riposte, not dignifying it with a response of her own. Looking to de Avellanos and getting the smallest of nods as she supported herself on the pommel and dismounted. Hands still tied but feeling better than she'd done for quite some time as Sharpe told the sentries their business.

"I'm sure that Wellington will listen very closely indeed and as for you Captain I shall tell him about your many kindnesses."

She smiled a bit shyly as they were ushered inside the inn. To meet the General who had yet to know defeat.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Justine's intentions of flattering Alfonso did not sit that well with him. After all, Justine had been an enemy but an hour ago. Being flattered by your enemy was something that only happened in the old epics, and then not a gesture appreciated by all. But Lord Wellington was, no doubt, an educated man who would put a certain measure of precaution in hasty judgements.

But, Alfonso didn't know what Lord Wellington was like. So, he would have to tread carefully here. Alfonso knew the British to only allow nobles to join the officer cadre, and although he knew Spain did the same, the Spanish had suffered at the hands of the French. War was a serious matter for a Spanish officer, quite unlike the comments he had heard about the British.

But he still grinned to himself when Miss Savage threatened de Villiers. It seemed the woman was, perhaps, a stronger person than he'd suspected...

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal the Lord Wellington

Arthur Wellesley was not a man who brooked disorder or untidyness in his headquarters. As a result the room had been swept clean for the first time in a century, the windows thrown open and his war room was cluttered with the paraphenalia of war - but orderly.

He sat at a campaign desk, assembled anew on each site that he chose as his new headquarters, and painstakingly cared for by his staff. Reports and requests came in upon one side of the room and orders and queries came out of the other. A steady stream of staff officers served as worker ants in this pragmatic, but not cosy, set up.

So, when his Adjutant of the day, a Major Farthing, brought him news that Sharpe was outside to see him with an important prisoner, it was with a sigh at the disturbance that this event no doubt portended that he agreed to see the man in five minutes.

Although he was pleased with Sharpes work in principle - the man had a habit of taking obdurate obstacles and reducing them down to successful conclusions in an efficient manner - he didn't approve of Sharpe himself. He'd comissioned the man, of course, out of gratitude for his life and after a perilous mission that should have been suicide - but he'd expected the chap to have the decency to either become a nearly-proper officer or else vanish in the chaos of battle. Instead Sharpe showed up again regularly - and each time he did, the man managed to bring just a touch of disorder, dirty and chaos to Wellington's orderly world.

He finished the report he was reading, jotted down a few orders and passed them to his Aide de campe, whose job it was to translate the chickenscratch to properly formulated and exquisitely written orders in militaryese. Just as he was folding his hands on the desk, a familiar scarred face hove into view and Wellington made a hand gesture that shooed most of the staff officers out of the room.

"Ahh, Major. Congratulations on your success today - I was just about to write General Hill a letter accusing him of lying to me about the assault you led, but I remembered that the man no more lies than he does curse, so I settled for a letter of congratulations instead. I trust you and your rogues will be ready for deployment again soon?"

The words were delivered smoothly, with a slightly deprecating twist to them, but Sharpe seemed pleased with the praise and reported the South Essex as being depleted but fit to fight.

While Sharpe was talking, Lord Wellington cast his eyes across the band in front of him. A Spanish Captain of cavalry. A French Chausseur Colonel. A woman dressed in blue. He raised an eyebrow.

Sharpe, aware that his companions were being scrutinised stepped forward to introduce them. Presenting Miss Kate Savage of Oporto, Captain Alfonso de Avellanos and Colonel Justine de Villiers, their prisoner.

Wellington nodded properly but distantly to Kate, obviously remembering only a little of their earlier meeting. He accepted a salute from Alfonso with another such nod and a few words thanking the soldier for his service today and then turned his eyes on Justine, shrewdly narrowing them as he scanned her.

"Is this a joke, Major?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

He did indeed look like an eagle. The sharp features of the Viscount Wellington of Talavera and Marquess Wellington of Douro bespoke the similarity to the earned nickname.

It was the first time Justine had come across someone who embodied the aristocrat in such a way as he did, and she found herself to feel slightly intimidated. Here was a man who had beaten both Marshals Soult and Masséna and it rattled her. The feeling was fleeting and she quickly gathered herself as she felt Wellington's gaze on her. Snapping into attention as best as she could given her tied wrists.

"Milord Wellington. Colonel Justine de Villiers, 76 Regiment de Chasseurs of His Imperial Majesty's army."

She kept her gaze just above Wellington's head, keeping absolutely still as she felt his eyes bore into her.

"I trust that Milord has been informed as to my mission here."

Still not looking at the man but keeping her features impassive.

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal the Lord Wellington

Rather than answer her directly he blinked once or twice, glacier cold eyes seemingly drinking her in before he spoke, again to Sharpe.

"Am I to understand that this woman has business with me, Major? And that you know of it. Explain. Out with it."

Major Sharpe dug into the bag at his side and produced the crumpled piece of paper. Dropping it onto Wellington's desk as if he didn't wish to approach the Lord too closely.

Wellington picked up the paper and read it through, having no problems at all with the florid French. After a long pause he studied the ramrod straight Justine once more.

"Well, Colonel. Here you are with authorisation to negotiate and a message from your Emperor. Your status as Ambassador, I'm afraid, is not entirely bona fide. An Ambassador would present herself to me by riding up to my HQ peaceably. I understand the Major and Captain here had to persuade you."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"We are at war Milord a war that is threatening to spill into France itself. I shall not apologise for having done my duty as a soldier today. Alas it seems we didn't quite reach our objective. Further Milord I am not what you would call a proper diplomat, to be honest I did not want this assignment but when one's Soverign call one does obey. You of all people ought to know the importance of obedience?"

Justine kept her eyes from Wellington's face as she spoke. She had modulated her voice not to sound too insolent. "I have received a carte blanché Milord to carry out negotiations with the Allied Commander in lieu of direct such with His Britannic Majesty's Government. I will be happy to conduct those as you see fit, seeing as I am at your mercy. I do however ask that Madmoiselle Savage and Sharpe will not be in attendence as the matters are fairly delicate."

She looked at Wellington, matching his gaze with one of her own.

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal the Lord Wellington

He rested his chin on his steepled fingers, still not moving from behind the desk to greet her as convention would suggest. As she spoke he let his eyes run from Sharpe to Miss Savage and finally to Captain de Avellanos. His raised eyebrow let her know that he hadn't missed the fact that she'd left the Spaniard off the list.

Switching to flawless French with a slight Parisian accent, he leaned forward to address her frankly.

"Colonel, if you don't mind I'll order the disposition of my troops. Kindly don't think any piece of paper from the Corsican ogre gives you the power to give orders in my headquarters."

Switching back to English he ordered one of the staff orders to bring the four of them refreshments and seats for the ladies. Waiting for this to be accomplished he switched back to French.

"Now, Colonel, please tell me why you're here."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"You drive a hard bargin Milord"

She smiled as she looked at Wellington. No doubt the man was cold, cold and efficient. A formidable adversary, there would be no doubt about it yet Justine felt compelled to believe that no matter how successful Wellington might have been he would still taste defeat would he be pitted against Bonaparte.

Looking around the room, the maps and charts littering the tables. The preparations that would drive the allies into her country. She frowned at the lack of ceremony at this. Somehow Justine had wanted more drama to the situation. After all Wellington was on the verge of invading France, and that would call for some reverence.

Sitting down and facing Wellington again she began speaking:

"His Imperial Majesty will agree to the following. All French troops will leave Spain. Reparations are to be made in bullion. Joseph Bonaparte will relinquish the claim to the Spanish throne. Further we are ready to abandon the Continental blockade."

She paused for breath, it clearly pained her to convey the message

"Further we are ready to let the Italian people decide whether Prince Eugéne should remain the Vice-Roy of Italy, and more important we are ready to sign a non-aggression pact with Britain."

Sitting back looking at Wellington again. "The details are in my sabretasche Milord."

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal the Lord Wellington

The corners of Wellington's mouth creased up and he barked once in harsh laughter, an odd sound from so dignified a man.

"And if I agree to this? Your master marches North, defeats the Northern Allies and then kicks me out of Europe with his full force? The time to negotiate is when you're holding the stronger hand, Colonel. Otherwise it's called bluffing. Do you play cards? It's good training for diplomacy."

Wellington lifted a hand. "Here's your hand, Colonel. Occupation of Spain. Continental Blockade. Reparations. Freedom of Italy."

With each point Wellington raised a finger.

"However, your occupation of Spain is effectively ended. Marshal Soult has proved far better at running than fighting and Joseph Bonaparte has already left Spain. We have already returned his Catholic Majesty to his throne."

Wellington dropped one of the four fingers.

"Also, I feel obliged to point out that with Spain and Portugal controlled by the Allies again, your blockade of the Continent is effectively at an end. We know that you have no fleet to speak of - and from next month we shall begin to capture your Channel ports."

Wellington dropped a second finger.

"Reparations you WILL pay. And not just to Spain. But we can demand any sum we think equitable when we present our bill in person to whomever we choose to replace the Emperor. We can also collect it far more reliably that way."

Wellington dropped his third finger.

"Italy will make its own decisions in any case. Once the bulk of your armies are broken and Imperial power humbled, the satellite states will choose their own destinies."

Wellington dropped his final finger, leaving only a clenched fist.

"This leaves us only one course left to persue, doesn't it, Colonel?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

She had kept her features impassive as Wellington had dismissed the terms that France was offering. Although not versed in politics she could still understand the basic flaws of the offer given. Bracing herself she turned to look directly at Wellington.

"It seems that we are again locked in our positions Milord. It pains me to tell you this yet by rights you ought to know. Earlier this week we received intelligence that Crown Prince, Charles John of Sweden whom you know as Marshal Bernadotte, has agreed to join forces with France anew. A considerable number of Swedish regiments are being transferred to the port of Stralsund, incidentally paid for by British gold and silver. His Imperial Majesty has agreed that for the services rendered, yes that is the defeat of the Northern Alllies, Finland will revert to Sweden. It's rather interesting since the Allies did not care to address this issue with His Royal Highness. And more so as His Royal Highness is supposed to command the Northern Armies."

She sat back smiling. "Now Milord, perhaps we ought to discuss this."

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal the Lord Wellington

The iceblue eyes narrowed. Bernadotte could easily be the weak link in the Northern Alliance. And if the Northern Alliance failed...

Wellington smiled.

"Well, Colonel. It seems you'll be my guest for dinner this evening. I'll get you quarters and arrange for a tailor to attend you - you simply cannot attend in those rags. I trust you have some proof of your statements in that little bag of yours? Well, we can discuss your sources later."

There was no hint of consternation, but the odd humour that had infected his words a second ago was obviously gone.

"So now, discuss the defection of Bernadotte. When was this achieved?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

She sat back a content smile on her lips as she looked at Lord Wellington. It seemed that the ruse de guerre had worked it's way. Of course Bernadotte would not defect, that much was clear but the tale was spun very eloquently thanks to the cunning mind of Joseph Fouché, the Police Minister of France.

"It was fairly easy Milord, the question of Finland have been a constant source of dissent in Sweden, and Bernadotte was elected by the Estates General on the premise that he'd get it back. Further there is a strong opposition to the alliance with Russia. Then there's always the will of a woman Milord. As you know Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Desideria is the sister of Queen Julie of Spain, and the way these women talk."

Justine gave Kate a meaningful look before returning her focus to Lord Wellington. "I do belive that dear old Desirée Bernadotte managed to convince her husband that it would be contrary to everything he stood for to align himself against France."

Leaning back again and giving Lord Wellington a shy smile. "I must further thank you for your kindness regarding the tailor. Surely you will permit me to pay for the services."

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"There there lass you just keep up the battle for a short while yet, Patrick is with you... "

The words drifted through the fevered fog and into Susannah's mind, causing a brief but unquestionable smile to curve her lips. She somehow steeled herself to awake, knowing it might only be for a few moments but the urge to see him was almost overpowering. Her green eyes fluttering open and the inside of a tent swimming into view.
"...w-water...please..." She murmured, her voice cracked.

She sipped at the offered water, her body trembling and shaking so much that small rivulets spilled down the sides of her mouth. Laying back down she smiled hazily up at the concerned face looking back down at her,
"Patrick..." She smiled, her voice little more than a whisper. "I...have you sat with me all this time...?" Her eyes were bright, too bright, and her breathing shallow. Beads of perspiration decorating her brow and her auburn waves and curls almost black with moisture.

 

[Longleg]

"Aye I have lass and I'll stay here until you get well again" he said it he meant it but also knew that his ability to stay by Susannah was dictated by an uncaring military.

Outside he heard men marching by knowing that the guard was changing that put the time close to 4 am too early, too late ,he would get no sleep this night but with luck he could find a few hours in the late morning the day after a battle tended to be quiet as companies took stock of their numbers

"Now you just sleep again my darling one you look a lot better than before so save your strenght for what is to come, you'll see in the morning you'll be as right as rain"

Patrick said that more in hope than certainty, for word had reached him about the effects of the fever, for seven of those who had fallen foul of it were now dead ,his hope was that three others had recovered in such a short space of time would soon become four.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"Aye I have lass and I'll stay here until you get well again..."
Susannah's smile grew wider at his softly spoken words, his large hands holding hers so very carefully.
"...thank you...Patrick...you...you are a good man..." She spoke haltingly, swallowing frequently between words.
Her body felt as if it were no longer her own, as if it had been given over to some malevolent demon to play with, and that it was causing the thrills of burning fire running through her veins.

"My...my mistress...she...she does not know..." Susannah began, a vision of Miss Savage's concerned face filtering into her mind. While her mistress was probably more than occupied with Mister Sharpe, Susannah knew that at some point she would be called for and her Mistress should be informed of her condition, even if to give her time to find another ladies maid. "...please...please tell..." Her body shuddered suddenly as the burning was rapidly replaced with an icy chill, jarring her body entirely.

"Now you just sleep again my darling one you look a lot better than before so save your strenght for what is to come, you'll see in the morning you'll be as right as rain"
"Yes...yes Patrick...I shall see you in the morning..." She lifted a shaking hand and pressed it to his cheek, her thumb stroking the skin once more for a moment. "...and in my dreams until then..." Giving him one last bright smile, Susannah closed her eyes and sank back into the simple bed.

...my darling one...
The words ran over and over again in her heart as Susannah drifted back into the darkness.
Patrick had called her his darling. Now ,above all else, Susannah willed the morning to come and an end of the fever to be brought with it so that she may be able to call him hers.

 

[Longleg]

As Susannah closed her eyes. Patrick lifted his head and closed his eyes in all that had happened he had not thought to advise the young lady's mistress.

Well there was nothing to be done it was doubtful the lady would be awake at this time and if she was, Patrick blushed, yes if she was then she most certainly would not wish to be disturbed and neither would Sharpe.

Patricks eyes opened suddenly as if in shock, how long had he been asleep for seconds? minutes? hours?, no not hours for the night still held strong.

The water bowl had been replaced again he noticed that he also relaised that a blanket had been placed about his person.

Next his eyes seeked Susannah she was still her face having been cleared of sweat ,but her face no longer flushed was pale drained almost, soon it would end, she would awaken wakened but alive or she would never awaken.

Patrick took her hand again "Yes lass I'm still with you and one day I'll take you to the green fields of Ireland where the blessed Isle gives a beauty to enjoy that matches your own, where the coast is wild and beautiful and people oh the people my wee girl my Susannah they will love you " and then words left his mouth that he was as unsure of as certain of " as I love you "

With that Patrick Harper RSM of the 95th Rifles, hard man, soldier, a man who invoked fear in so many gently kissed the forehead of a young lady he had known for just a day and cried once more.

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal His Grace The Duke of Wellington, KG, KB, PC

The game was most truly afoot. He hadn't missed the deceitful curve of her lips when he'd given ground to her - it was in the nature of a cavalryman, or woman, to chase a seemingly retreating foe. Quite often they overexposed themselves doing so.

"No, no. Just wait until you see the quality of the mans work, Colonel. He is on the battlefield here for a reason, I'm sure his poor work would prove most unacceptable to you on the Champes Elysee. I couldn't have the Emperor thinking that the British Army cannot host its guests in comfort."

He cast a jaundiced eye on the (relatively) scruffy appearance of the two officers.

"Not that his attentions wouldn't improve some of my men, I'm sure." he said with a snort of amusement.

Switching to English again he spoke curtly to Sharpe.

"Major Sharpe. Dressed like a scarecrow again. Get a decent shirt and jacket, sir, and bring your Spanish friend to dinner. Of course Miss Savage should attend as well - would you be so kind as to accompany her for me? I fear that I am poor dinner company or I would request the honour myself."

As Sharpe responded Wellington asked him about the status of Justine's parole. Upon learning that she was not paroled as yet he turned to her.

"Colonel, I'm informed that you're not paroled as yet. Would be willing to swear to act decently during your detainment here and our negotiations? Normally, of course an Ambassador would have no need of a parole, but these are dangerous times and you were rather brought in chains before me as a defeated enemy. The forms must be obeyed."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers / Kate Savage

Justine sat back offering a broad smile to Lord Wellington. It was clear that the man was as cunning as they came, yet even he could not be impervious to the news she had imparted.

"I shall of course sign the necessary documents for a parole Milord, there will further be no need to get my sword back, seeing as Major Sharpe disposed of that at an earlier juncture. I shall be delighted to take dinner with you and I am sure that it will be most fruitious."

She extended her still bound hands so to shake Lord Wellington's. Seeing the frown on his haugthy features.

Kate had been silent through the exchange, but she felt herself fuming with barely contained rage. As they were dismissed she sought out Richard, making sure to keep well clear of Justine de Villiers.

"Richard is it entirely wise to allow her a parole? She's a nasty piece of work that one and I do not think for a moment she'll honour the agreement. It's not my place to say, seeing as I'm not versed in politics, but it strikes me as odd that the Crown Prince would side with France. We have a small office in Stockholm and what I've heard there is the most amiable relation between the Czar and the Prince, the issue of Finland has not even been debated in Parliament. I think she's spinning a lie Richard but it seems Wellington has taken the bait."

She blushed after her long harangue, seeking Richard's hand as he led her away from the inn.

 

[Steiner]

Field Marshal His Grace The Duke of Wellington, KG, KB, PC

Wellington shook her hand with a smile. "Well, you hardly need a sword amongst friends do you, Colonel? And as for Mister Sharpe, I make no apologies for his behaviour. You chose to play a rough game with my rough lads - it's not sporting to complain after the final whistle."

He waved her gone, under guard of course and immediately summoned his staff.

"Get me my Intelligencer. And my Chief of Staff!"

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Sharpe sighed. This jacket WAS his good one, and now he would have to pay out yet more money to the bottomless pit that was Lord Wellington's official tailor on the campaign.

The Peer was something of a dandy, and damned if he didn't expect his men to keep the same high standards - even on campaign. He was remarkably tolerant on the battlefield - provided an officer commanded well - but it was equally remarkable how quickly that tolerance disappeared off the battlefield.

He listened to Kate's words with a jaundiced expression, watching where Justine was being untied to allow her to sign the parole.

"You're probably right, and if I know Nosey, I'll be called in to give my verdict soon enough. I'll tell him what you said."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Turning to Richard and once more standing tiptoe to be able to kiss him. Hoping that she would be alleviate some of the worries that had befallen him.

"Perhaps you could persuade Lord Wellington to convene a Court of Honour Richard. After all Colonel de Villiers haven't been overly civil at least not to me."

Kate pursed her lips as she recalled the insults that the French colonel had hurled at her, then remembering Lord Wellington's orders for Sharpe to do something about his uniform. She rummaged through her pockets and produced a small purse.

"I know it's not befitting but if you need to borrow money to have your uniform dandied up..."

She blushed as she pushed the purse into his hand. Hoping that he wouldn't find her to forward or even take the huff for the act. Still Kate was rich by all accounts, the winetrade had furnished her with ample a fortune and she still felt compelled to do something for Richard, a way of thanking him for the many kindnesses he had bestowed on her.

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard smiled. "The bastard should credit me this once. I settled with him last week, so there's no balance owed. That said, most of my money is in London and quick work always costs extra. I'll try not to use it, but thank you, Kate."

He pocketed the purse, squeezing her hand as he did. Once upon a time his stiff pride would have gotten in the way, but most of Sharpe's women had been richer than he, and he'd learned to accept a gift in good humour somewhere along the way.

"The idea of a duel is enticing, isn't it? Unfortunately Nosey can't abide duelling and he's banned it. You can get court martialled and sent home for even planning a duel, so nobody bothers anymore. Even if we could though, there wouldn't be much honour in it, would there?"