Sharpe's Exploits

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"I see that Milord adheres to the British idea of sportsmanship. I shall endeavour to adhere to that as well."

With that she signed the parole and stood up. Straightening the pelisse and massaging her wrists, before turning to Alfonso.

"Perhaps you will do me the honour of accompany me Captain de Avellanos?"

Taking the parole and putting it into her pocket, giving Lord Wellington a radiant smile.

 

[Steiner]

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

Wellington smiled, startlingly, in response to her. It wasn't that he was besotted, but for a moment her smile had seemed so genuine and full of good humour that he had reacted automatically.

"Your parole is limited to this inn, I'm afraid Colonel. I have too many honour proud Spaniards and Portugeuse officers and men in this camp to have a French uniform wandering freely. Captain de Avellanos can continue to watch you, if you wish. I pay the good Major to be decidedly unpleasant to Brittania's enemies, so I can understand if you find him a little rough company.

Unfortunately I must have guards observing you. Military courtesies, I'm sure you understand."

Wellington nodded good day and a staff officer arrived to show the pair of them to an upstairs room.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

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?"

"Perhaps it's time you got yourself a new uniform all together Richard. Otherwise the French will think that the British army consists of nothing but scarecrows." Kate giggled at the look he gave her in response "I think you ought to get yourself a pelisse and maybe a set of spurs." The thought of seeing Richard Sharpe donning such items was amusing, seeing as he cared not a bit for his appearence.

She squeezed his hand again, their fingers entwined and on an impulse she moved closer and kissed him again. A couple of Portugese officers smiling at the sight when they passed them.

"It's very sweet of you to offer duel, but I don't think it's the way to proceed though. She's much to cunning to allow herself to get into such a predicament. It's an awful thing to say yet I must confess that she is thoroughly dreadful."

Kate paused giving Richard's hand another squeeze. "Do you think she's right? I mean the things she said. I know it's not stricly adhering to neither common morals nor decorum to be doing what we are?"

She bit her lip, wondering if she by her decision to seek him out had brought about the name that Justine de Villiers had given her.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso listened in silence, his eyes staying away from any other. So, for now, Justine was safe. And perhaps could end this war. As much as Alfonso hoped for the allies to jump onto France and leave nothing standing, he was conscious that such a plan would cause many unnecessary deaths... Spanish deaths, that was.

Lord Wellington was definitely a commanding figure. Down right intimidating, not even an enemy soldier would probably try and attack him in a battlefield, such was the awe he inspired. He might not look too skillful or strong, but his features were like a hawk's, and that kind of people learnt fast.

"Perhaps you will do me the honour of accompany me Captain de Avellanos?"

"Of course."

Alfonso made sure his answer sounded neutral enough, and did not smile or grin. It would not have been... correct, regarding protocol and perhaps, others' feelings. But he did look forward to a calm day with Justine. A woman like her had a lot to offer, he guessed, and not just in body... as pleasant as that could be.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Sharpe frowned. She had echoed his own thoughts - was he making a whore of this sweet girl?

"No, what we're doing isn't considered right by society. And I won't pretend that I don't feel pangs of guilt about it, Kate. But there's a reason why it's not the fashion to bring your wife to war. Part of that is the sheer number of mistresses kept in camp. Why, Lord Wellington is as bad as any other, from what I hear.

No man in this camp looks upon you and I and feels anything but best wishes for our happiness or envy. You shared what you did of yourself for love, and I can't think badly of you for it. I won't."

Together they left the headquarters, walking to the tailor's tent.

"You want to see me in a pellise and tight breeches, is that it?" Like his Field Marshal, Sharpe preferred the more sensible trousers of the Rifle Regimentl.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

The second floor of the inn contained a file of smaller chambers as well as a drawingroom which was presently occupied by two members of lord Wellington's staff. Seeing as though they were subalterns did however merit that they got in a rush to provide hot water, soap and some refreshment for Alfonso and Justine. Spanish and French they may be but they still outranked the British officers.

Chosing one of the rooms more or less at random and finding it to her liking Justine flopped onto the bed, stretching her legs out and giving Alfonso a shy smile.

"I do think I owe you an apology and a thank you."

Stretching her legs out and looking closely at him. For all the attempts he'd made to seem older, and the fact that he was a skilled officer, he still looked like a boy in Justine's eyes.

They were interrupted by one of the ensigns, handing them a jug of water as well as a bottle of wine, before leaving them. The door had just clicked shut whan Justine got up and walked the few steps to where he was standing, her hands going to his face as her lips seeked his.

"And this is the only way I can say how sorry I am..."

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso accompanied Justine to a room of her liking. Well, 'follow' might be the correct way of putting it. Behind her, Alfonso's mind wandered all around her. Her beauty was dream-like to him. And yet, it hid such a danger that few men would dare stand close to her. Saying she was a rose with a spine was an understatement of the highest magnitude.

She even handled the British officers like they were pawns on a cheese board. Alfonso both feared and admired such daring and determination. Yet, when she flopped down onto the bed, and stretched her legs, the sight slowly made his amazement return to her body.

"I do think I owe you an apology and a thank you."

For a while, she'd been acting as a soldier, more than a woman. But Alfonso suddenly found that he was starting to get a little bit more nervous with her. Taking his shako off, he set it down onto a table, and grinned, taking this chance to tear his eyes off her.

"I did as I was supposed to do. As I judged the situation deemed..."

One of the ensigns came in, and the whole situation... him here, alone with a female, and a French officer to boot, who he had laid with, made him blush. Thankfully, the ensign left without noticing, apparently more worried about having a French officer around. Alfonso sighed, scolding at himself for such an improper behaviour. His, not that of the ensign.

The sudden sound of Justine getting off the bed and walking to him startled him a bit. And just he turned around, her hands took his head by the sides, and pulled it down a bit. He stared right into Justine's eyes, and his heart seemed to skip a beat... or two...

"And this is the only way I can say how sorry I am..."

The kiss was a surprise. Even after her gesture, the way she moved, the way she behaved, it still was a surprise. By God, that if there was not a war going on, Alfonso would have jumped on her like a wild tiger by now. But, such was not to be. Even so, his hands moved slowly, almost trembling in incredulity, to her hips. They stopped any shaking there, as her presence and intentions were reassured by that simple touch. An exhalation escaped his mouth as he kissed her back, more than willingly, his lips moving against hers, mingling with them in a confused mass of warm, soft flesh. Alfonso's arms wrapped around Justine, and he pressed her tightly against her, as if making sure she was still there. With a person like her, he could never be sure...

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

"Given that I just handed you money to buy some new clothes that practically makes you the whore doesn't it Richard?"

She blushed but there was the mischevious smile as she taunted him. Of course she was aware or the repercussions that her liason with Richard would have. He was married, he was not going to leave Mrs Jane Sharpe for her, but let her atleast have some happiness.

Kate squeezed his hand tighter, her slender fingers intwined with his, the warmth of his hand almost burning.

"I never said anything about breeches Richard, but a new jacket wouldn't go amiss, and a pelisse I think. After all you are going to dine with a Lord. Besides that horrible woman insists on wearing one and you shouldn't be seen without one."

Looking at him again as ehty made their way to the tailor's provisional shop, and leaning closer

"Besides you need to look your best when you are going to interrogate the devilish spy Katherine Savage of Oporto."

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

"Hmmm... So, if you've bought me, Miss Savage, what will you do with me once I've bought my new shirt and jacket? And Pelisse, since you insist on me looking like a cavalry fop."

Richard grinned. Luckily he'd seen how to wear one of those half jacket and half cloak hybrids on others. He was reasonably sure he could pull it off. The tailor was quiet, what with the fighting preparations, and Sharpe found himself easily able to buy a shirt that fit reasonably well, as well as getting a jacket ordered to be made by the evening. The final work on altering the jacket would take a few hours, though, and Sharpe and Kate sat in the waiting room of the tailor's large tent - Sharpe fiddling with the stylish collar of the shirt.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

"I'd let you win your silly war and then take you back with me to Portugal. I'd keep you in splendid isolation on a diet of Savage's best"

She grinned at the abigious reference and once more blushing. Still it felt rather natural to be having such an exchange with Richard.

"Leave it be, didn't your mother tell you that it'll only get worse if you poke at it."

As soon as she'd said it she realised she'd put her foot in her mouth. Looking down and meekly whispering an excuse.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

Pressing her lips agains his as she felt his hands on her hips, not able to stop a moan escaping her.

Justine pulled at the pelisse making it fall to the floor as her hands went to his neck, caressing him as her tongue explored his mouth. She was more compliant this time, more readily following his lead.

"I suppose that I didn't show you the graceful side to French womenhood earlier today Captain and I think it's time you ought to be acquainted with it."

Trailing her hands down his muscular shoulders and down his chest. Keeping them just above his heart and marvelling at the fact that she could feel it beat even through the tunic he was wearing.

"Tell me how you want me Alfonso..."

She kissed him again and then took a step back, her hands once again placed behind her back in a sign of surrender.

"It's time the victor had his prize don't you think?"

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso smiled at her, taken by a feeling of happiness and elation, as he unbuttoned his riding jacket.

"There is no sides when it comes to this. Let each person be as they want to be, as long as they seek mutual pleasure..."

Stepping in front of her, Alfonso kissed her again, this time letting his tongue part her lips and seek hers. His hands went to her pants, sliding up her thighs slowly but pressing on them, his fingers sinking against her. Finally, they reached the belt, and busied themselves on the buckle as he walked on, making her walk backwards, to the bed.

Alfonso marvelled at the touch and warmth, not to mention taste, of Justine's mouth. But, what marvelled him even more, was his loss of shyness. Perhaps he had changed somehow. What had done it, war or the attraction between different sexes, he could not tell. All he knew, was that Justine's warm mouth was to his, and her wondrous body looked more tempting than any food or drink he had ever seen or tasted. And that thought brought a smile to his face, as he stared into her eyes, and his fingers were the only thing keeping her belt from falling.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

Justine gave a small laugh as she was pushed back against the narrow bed, Alfonso's nimble fingers already having unbuttoned her breeches. Kissing him back with equal fervour before disentangling herself from his embrace and slowly getting to her knees.

She kept eyecontact with him as she slowly, teasingly even unbuttoned his breeches, his hardness already discernable as she freed it from the constraints.

Leaning forward, breathing on his manhood before engulfing him with her lips, taking him into her mouth.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso wondered as to Justine's behaviour, getting to her knees before him. He almost bent forward a bit when she broke the kiss, but followed no more when it was obvious she had other things in mind. Her laugh did promise something worth the separation of their lips.

She effortlessly, but teasingly (and this made Alfonso keep his smile), pulled his breeches open and down. Then, and all of a sudden for someone who had barely any experience in these matters, she took him into her mouth. Alfonso sighed, his manhood wrapped in warmth with a surprising, yet very erotic eagerness. The very first contact of Justine's tongue with his member was a true test of resilience to him, as he fought back the trembling that shook his legs. The following, although no less pleasureable, he took in stride. And soon, he found himself enjoying her attentions.

Looking down, Justine's blonde hair moved like a flag, or the sea waves, and Alfonso could not help reaching down to lay a hand on her head. It was the sight, her eagerness to please, and her skill, that made his manhood harden to its limits, and him exhale drawn-out breaths. He found his orgasm approaching, but was determined to resist as much as he could, knowing that after it, the sensations Justine gave him would be dulled... at least before her charms worked again.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

She never thought she'd go along with an act such as this again, yet there was something about Alfonso de Avellanos y Marca that shattered every pretence she might have harboured.

Willing herself to take as much of him into her mouth as possible, her tongue caressing the underside of his phallus as her hands found his scrotum, gently caressing him as she felt his hand on the back of her head.

Turning her head to meet his smouldering eyes, trying to convey her own arousal as she let teased him with her teeth as well and being rewarded with a grunt equally apprhensive and lustful.

As Justine broke away from the embrace, bestowing a feathery kiss to the crown of his manhood before motioning to him to take of his boots. She pulled at her own, discarding them and the riding-breeches as well. Moving back to the the bed, struggling to get out of the confines of the Dolman tunic she was wearing.

Motioning for him to come closer

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso moaned, softly and quietly, under Justine's skill. Her tongue warmed his manhood, hardened it, and brought waves of pleasure through his body, most apparent in how his member throbbed. His eyes hid a fire behid them that started when he first saw Justine's blonde hair, and that was revived now. Her own eyes looked like the only water he could extinguish it with. A grunt escaped him, seeing her eyes speak to him more than her mouth now could.

Alfonso gave out a trembling sigh when Justine liberated him from her attentions, and quickly discarded his boots and breeches completely, barely retaining any form of composure. An instant spent without Justine's flesh in contact with his was agony to him now, and his mind did not need to figure out a need that his body enforced.

With an agile, graceful hop, Alfonso pinned Justine down even before she could get rid completely of her tunic. With a grin, his hand rested on one of her breasts, and kneaded it through the tunic, letting its fabric give his ministrations a slightly rougher touch. Lowering himself closer, his other hand teased her mount of venus, rubbing here and there, pressing down with one finger or two at a time, as his mouth lunged for her neck. Kissing, licking, nibbling, Alfonso tried anything he thought of, paying attention to her reactions, trying to satisfy her the same way she had done to him.

 

[Steiner]

"I'd let you win your silly war and then take you back with me to Portugal. I'd keep you in splendid isolation on a diet of Savage's best"

She grinned at the abigious reference and once more blushing. Still it felt rather natural to be having such an exchange with Richard.

"Leave it be, didn't your mother tell you that it'll only get worse if you poke at it."

As soon as she'd said it she realised she'd put her foot in her mouth. Looking down and meekly whispering an excuse.

Sharpe was most familiar with the saying and although his mother had never had the time to tell him much of anything before illness carried her off, he always said that you couldn't miss what you'd never had.

Seeing Kate's embarassed flush made his heart go out to her. Here was a woman who never seemed to want to hurt him, never wanted to score points off him and couldn't give a damn how common his birth was, or lean his purse might be.

Realising that she had accepted him always for who he was, and never judged him for a moment, Sharpe felt a pang of guilt and a strange sense of regret that he had never followed up her obvious attraction for him.

He didn't have the words to put her at ease after what she saw as a horrible blunder, so he did the next best thing, leaning over to kiss her forehead tenderly, taking her hands in his own again.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

Justine gave a loud moan followed by a pearly laughter as Alfonso attacked her. He was truely a cavalryman and the energy with which he leapt on her resembled the way he had charged her earlier today.

She pulled her legs up, wrapping them around his waist as she felt his manhood throb against her sex, the sensation making her moisten further.

Biting her lip in a suggestive manner as he ran his hands across her chest, kneading her breasts and even pinching her nipples through the tunic as she flexed her legs bringing him closer to her.

"Let it lose Alfonso."

She whispered the words, her eyes glazed as he kissed her again, sinking his teeth into her lip.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Still not able to meet his gaze feeling the burning on her cheeks as he kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry Richard, I didn't mean to imply..."

Kate couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. She had heard the way de Villiers had described Richard's background and it pained her that someone would hold such a thing against him.

Looking up to meet his gaze and seeing the small smile on his face as she did, making her smile tentatively in return.

"I'll think about what I'll say in the future Richard."

Tilting her head somewhat allowing him to kiss her.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

"I'm not made of cut glass, Kate. You had a fine birth and I didn't - but here we both are, aren't we? You haven't a mean bone in your body, and I won't take offense at something you didn't mean to say."

She tilted her lips and he obliged her, bestowing a kiss to steal her breath and let her know that he meant just what he said. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder, he let his lips wander to her neck.

"Perhaps the spy, Kate, will learn something of value tonight at dinner with Lord Wellington. I'm looking forward to getting her back to my headquarters and interrogating her. Forcefully. All night."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

She giggled as he kissed her neck in plain view of the few soldiers who walked past them. It felt like indulging in something forbidden, which it strictly speaking was, and the notion made her heart beat faster.

"I think you must Richard. Perhaps Kate has planned to assasinate Lord Wellington? Or steal some vital maps or even seduce the redoubtable Major Sharpe in order to stall the invasion of France."

Blushing as she leaned closer and nibbling at his ear "She is a most cunning and devious spy and you must keep her close at all times lest she does something horrible."

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

"I hear she is a most resourceful woman who can resist interrogation for such long periods of time. Perhaps I'll have to be a little rough with her, to show her I mean business? We can't have spies going around delaying us in our duties and winning precious hours for the damned French to recover their losses in, can we?"

Richard slid his hands down Kate's arms to rest them on her waist as he leaned close to her.

"How close should I keep her, do you think? We shouldn't shock the other guests at dinner, for example..."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

"I think you ought to keep her as close as you can without rousing suspicion Richard. I know you've carried out the impossible before so this should prove easy enough. Yet don't underestimate her"

Kate leaned forward stealing another kiss from him her hand resting on his shoulder.

"Besides she'll be enthralled by the dashing appearence of a Rifleman in a new jacket and a pelisse. So much that she might sacrifice her virtue all together."

Kissing his cheek, the blush once again colouring her cheeks.

"She might even confess to loving you Richard."

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

"If she blushes that prettily at dinner, Kate, I think the secret will be out in any case. I just hopes she doesn't find her dashing rifleman a right pillock dressed in one of those funny little fur capes that are so fashionable these days."

He kissed her again, lips quirked in an ironic smile.

At that moment the tailor came and saved him from doing something that might have compromised her virtue in almost plain sight.

The new shirt looked good under the bottle green wool of the rifle jacket, Sharpe had to admit. The black piping was well stitched and the Majors epaulette's looked damn brave on his shoulders. He watched as the tailor stitched the fouled wreath of the Forlorn Hope onto his sleeve, turning with a raised eyebrow to ask what the badge meant.

"I've not seen one like it before, sir."

Richard shook his head "You won't see many of 'em not on corpses. It's what you get for being first into a breach - that and a promotion. Most often just a belly full of Frog lead though."

The tailor handed the jacket back, and Sharpe shrugged into it, as always delighted by the way that new clothes felt, smelt and looked. The powder burned and blood stained sash was replaced with a fresh one and the tailor took a brush to his breeches and a damp cloth to his boots.

Finally the pelisse was fixed in the proper place and Sharpe peered at himself in concern. The damn things always looked ridiculous if you didn't know how to wear one, and Sharpe's self consciousness was making him feel a little out of place in it.

Deciding to try Kate's opinion he walked out of the fitting room and into the waiting room.

"Well? What do you think?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

"I think you look absolutely dashing Richard. Like an officer out of the Horse Guards."

She smiled knowing what he thought of the dandies that made up the staff at Army HQ in London.

"So what happens now? Are we going to stroll around and you can put the fear of God into whatever poor soul you run into? Or is there a chance that we could take some refreshment before we are to see Lord Wellington and that dreadful woman again."

Kate's mood visibly sinking at the thought of having to endure an evening with Justine de Villiers. Not merely because she'd been terribly rude but also because she made Richard become more of the soldier than he was with her.

"I guess they don't have Savage's Port here but something ought to be procured don't you think`"

Squeezing his hand as they moved along the street.