Sharpe's Exploits

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Richard endured the clap to the shoulder without grinning, knowing that he appeared very much like the faithful dog to Justine right now. But screw it, she was going to crawl and squirm and flutter her eyelashes artfully at the Peer herself, and at the end of the day there were many positive things to be said about a reliable and trustworthy dog.

And dogs, unlike butterflies, had teeth.

He turned with Wellington and headed for the table, Kate on his arm. Although he was composed externally, to say he was tense would be an understatement. As the hero of the day, he and Kate were seated opposite each other, with Sharpe on Wellington's right.

Sitting across the table from her, he stretched out his foot and ran it slowly up the side of her calf, smiling innocently from the safety of distance.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso was alarmed to see Sharpe reach for his sword, and that showed in his eyes. They went steely cold, and he nodded back with some sobriety. Justine was a prisoner... his prisoner, at that. He would allow no harm to fall upon her without her doing something to earn it.

Also, it was somewhat strange to see the familiarity between Lord Wellington and Sharpe. As much as he trusted Lord Wellington to be a man of honour (if spectacularly cold and brisk in demeanour), he was not that sure about Sharpe... and the British officer, knowing his superior favoured him, might commit a rash act.

When he saw Miss Savage and him were seated on opposite sides, he was tempted to do the same... but Justine was still a prisoner, and leaving her beside a lady, with the nearest guard a few feet away, was not the wisest idea. He would have to sit beside her, even if it was socially bothering. But Alfonso's duties came first. He pulled a chair out for Justine to sit, and waited for her to do so before sitting himself at her side...

 

[Steiner]

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

Lord Wellington, slipped into his chair after checking that his guests were present. Late arrivers included Colonel Nairn and the commander of his cavalry. Wellington nodded affably to all arrivers and generally pretended to a level of good humour that he simply wasn't feeling.

The soup course arrived first, and conversation was a little stifled. Wellington noted that Sharpe was, finally, dressed like a gentleman and commented on it.

"You have my compliments, Miss Savage, for turning Richard out in a presentable fashion. I can assure you that there are a doublehandful of Colonels who tried so much and failed, as well as two or three women who also lacked the influence to improve his dress. Truly, Miss, you have achieved a notable victory - perhaps I should make you my victrix diem?"

Smiling at her embarassment he turned to the pair farther down the table.

"Colonel Nairn, this is the French ambassador - Colonel de Villiers. You two really should talk at length, she has a lot of interesting opinions on European politics that you should hear for yourself."

Colonel Nairn didn't so much smile as bare his teeth at the Frenchwoman, but he remained silkily polite as the two of them discussed trivial details such as her home in Paris.

With the soup dispatched, the cook brought out the Mutton - his favourite dish - and he felt his low spirits revive a little at the sight of it. Plainly cooked, virtually unseasoned, it was just the way he liked it. Used to his ways, the attendant made sure that he had a decent helping of the greasy meat, before adding a few of the plainly cooked vegetables that accompanied it.

The sight of a couple of his guests murmuring to each other in horror did nothing to dispel his sudden cheer. "Capital! Capital! Carry on and serve the guests, would you?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

This was better than expected. Well not the food, that left a great deal to be desired, but the company was on the whole thoroughly pleasing.

Justine was sitting between Alfonso and Sir Stapleton Cotton, commander of the British cavalry and having Colonel Nairn opposite. She found Sir Stapleton a very charming cavalier indeed whereas Nairn struck her as being rather to sharp for his own good. Keeping the discussion to mere pleasantries as the main course was being served, and having to mask her horror as she was presented with the grey lump of meat that Lord Wellington obviously took such delight in.

Turning to Nairn as she had her wine refilled thinking it time to approach the issue at hand.

"So how do you rate the chances of the Northern Allies seeing as Bernadotte has aligned himself with His Imperial Majesty?"

Smiling as Nairn stared belligerently at her. "I do think you place too much trust with him Colonel de Villiers. After all he has to face nearly 200 000 Russians and just as many Prussians. Not counting the Austrians. Sweden can field no more than 30 000 troops, merely an appetizer for the Czar."

Justine returned his stare with a smile as she put the glass down, her hand on Alfonso's thigh as she spoke next.

"I belive you are misinformed there Colonel. 30 000 was the sum suggested by the Foreign Secretary von Engeström, but the proper number is rather 150 000. And you know as well as I do that Britain has been paying good silver to get them into shape. Besides Bernadotte is the one Marshal who has not seen defeat. Like you Milord Wellington."

Raising her glass to Nosey and winking, and before she was interrupted she proposed another one, this time to Sharpe.

"And to the gallant Major Sharpe who has caused us so much headache, and of course to Mrs Jane Sharpe whom I certain awaits her husband's return."

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

..."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...as I love you "...
Patrick's words echoed in Susannah's hazy dreams, strengthening her resolve to fight the fever and awake.

It was sometime later that Susannah's eyes fluttered open once more, her gaze slightly glazed and complexion pallid.
"...Patrick...?" She asked, her voice husky and throaty with sleep.
"He's been called away, Miss Susannah," The voice of the surgeon replied swiftly, his tone almost apologetic. "Although he did remain with you every moment until then..."
Susannah closed her eyes again, smiling softly at the thought of the broad shouldered irishman watching over her while she rested.

"How are you feeling...?" The surgeon asked, helping her to sit up and offering her some water which she sipped readily. He sat his tall, wiry frame upon her bed, his eyes watching her studiously.
"Fragile..." Susannah answered, her dry throat eased a little. "But alive..." She finished with a weak smile.
"I am happy to hear it," The surgeon added a smile of his own at the young woman before him. "I'll have some food brought to you and...can I get you anything? Is there anyone you would like me to fetch...?"
"Some clothes and word of my Mistress would be wonderful. I am sure she is... occupied at present..." Susannah couldn't help but blush a little as she pondered what might have been occupying Miss Kate's time since she left for Mister Sharpe's tent. "But I should go to her as soon as I can..."

Soon enough Susannah was eating some weak broth and some rather dry bread but it was food and it eased the growling in her stomach more than a little. The surgeon had also managed to locate her dress and after washing the sweat from her face and hair, changing from the simple shift and dressed in her pale green Sunday dress, she left her hair drying in auburn waves down her back. The surgeon had also brought news of Miss Savage, she was at the inn with Major Sharpe, dining with Lord Wellington along with a Spanish Captain and a french prisoner.

"If I may be so bold, I would gladly accompany you there, Miss Susannah..." The Surgeon offered, his brown eyes almost shy behind his small eye-glasses while he ran a hand through his closely cropped hair. "My patients are resting peacefully enough and I am sure they can cope under the watchful eye of the nurses until I return..."
"I would be honoured, Doctor," Susannah took his arm and the pair wandered out of the tent together. "Although I would be even happier to be able to call you something other than Doctor, and to have you stop calling me miss..."
"As you wish, Susannah," The surgeon smiled, stopping and bowing his head slightly towards her. "I am Owen, and I am at your service..."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Kate blushed at Lord Wellington's compliments and noticing that more than a few of the officers nodded at this. Richard seemed illl at ease by it, but Kate put it down to the differences between him and de Avellanos, as well as the presence of Justine de Villiers.

Being seated between General Sir Thomas Picton and General Rowland "Daddy" Hill was proving a pleasant surprise mostly due to the differnces of charachters. Hill's couteous manner starkly contrasted the dour Welshman Picton, who of course was civil enough.

"You may have made Sharpe dress as a gentleman but he's still a damned sluggard Miss Savage. A rouge and a blackguard if I ever saw one. Mind you, his horrid features aside he can be quite useful although I hope that I will never see him again."

Kate had been visibly shaken and Hill had to interceed, whispering that as far as Picton went, that was the highest form of praise. It all was very enjoyable, even Richard's flirting until that horrid woman chose to toast to Mrs Sharpe, once more underlining that Kate was nothing but a mistress.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Richard leant to the side and muttered something to Wellington. It was almost discrete but some trick of the acoustics made the phrase "...french only seem to enjoy fighting those who can't fight back..." stand out.

Wellington smiled at the joke and nodded at Richard, but his eyes came back to Justine, marking the slight flush that comment had caused. Richard for his part subsided back into silence - feeling out of place at this gathering of Generals. Only once did he grin in an unaffected manner, upon hearing Picton's comments to Kate.

Clearly he wasn't upset in the slightest at Picton's irascible nature, or the insulting nature of his comments. To be noticed by Picton was praise - because Picton only noticed people on the battlefield.

 

[Katamari Roller]

There were two places where Alfonso was not comfortable. One, was in front of women. The other one, in front of generals and other sociably suitable people. It wasn't as bad as when he was with women, but still... he had never dealt with this kind of people before. Even if he was a noble, he had preferred the company of the lower ranks of society. Taking part in the regional festivities was one of his favourite pastimes.

They carried a lot of sincere simplicity with them. They celebrated a good harvest, a wedding, a religious event... they were true in the heart of the people. But here, it was all about deception, and being good to others so they would be good to you. Scratching backs, and such. And Alfonso despised that kind of attitude.

He remained silent, enjoying the food and the drink and letting his ears pick up all that was spoken. As he expected, soon Sharpe started exchanging thinly veiled insults with Justine. Alfonso hid his anger at the fact well, but still he had to admit that when they said Sharpe was not a noble, Alfonso had to agree. He neither carried himself with the pride of a British noble, nor with the sincerity of a Spanish, rural one such as himself.

The more time he spent in the banquet, the more he wanted to get out of here, onto his horse, and back with his men.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"I do belive that General Picton has a point."

Justine turned to Alfonso although the reply was indeed directed to Sharpe. "War does call for rouges and blackguards although I can scarce understand their use outside of the battlefield."

She smiled coldly as she turned to address Nairn, her hand still placed on Alfonso's lap and slowly moving it up along the muscular thigh. "One should perhaps ask the Poles what they think about us?" She sipped her wine, having decided that the mutton served at Wellington's tabe unpallatable. "And as for the British one may want to recall the heroic fight that your country carried out against the natives of the Americas. Although this may be somewhat obscured to the rustic Major Sharpe seeing his evident lack of education."

Justine sat back, seeing the reaction on Nairn's features. "Anyway I'm certain that the delightful Mrs Sharpe will have ample opportunity to bring the Major up to date don't you Colonel?"

Putting the glass down and giving Alfonso's thigh a squeeze "And further more there are issues of politics to be discussed. It's a shame to spoil such a lovely dinner such as this but alas we're all subjects to the workings of the politicians are we not. Just out of interest? How much would it cost to get a divorce in England?"

She had started directly at Kate as she spoke the last sentence, aiming to bring down the younger woman and thusly get to Sharpe. It seemed the man cared not for neither King nor Country but if Justine had got her bearings on the situation correctly then the obstinate major would at some point lash out on Kate's behalf.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Justine's words were dangerous, that much Alfonso knew and understood. But he still didn't approve of them... if not for the fact that Sharpe kept jabbing at her, trying to provoke her. He was getting something in return, and Alfonso couldn't say that was wrong.

What was perhaps wrong was the way Justine touched him during dinner. Thankfully, he stayed calm and indifferent as he ate and drank, taking in all he could about the atmosphere around him. Justine was quickly becoming the center of attention in this dinner, and Alfonso feared she might try to do something that would not be too wise in the given situation...

Such as trying to reach for his pistol. Alfonso's hand drifted down his side, and lay motionless near his knee, his arm ready to shoot back if she tried to anything. Lord Wellington was right here, and so was Justine. This would be the perfect moment for an assassination, would it not? Alfonso's face hardened as he wondered if Justine would be brave enough to try such a thing. She would be dead if she tried, but had she not shown such willingness before? Her courage was out of any doubt, and the only thing Alfonso had doubted until now was her cunning.

Attacking his camp, and then taking part in a battle with a tiny number of riders with her? Not what Alfonso would expect from the French elite... too convenient for the allies. And what if provoking Sharpe was just another strategy of hers? Why she would do it was beyond his comprehension, she would just make him tense. He might actually attack her before she could kill Wellington...

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

She turned to give Alfonso the briefest of looks, seeing the determined face as well as the tightly clenched jaws.

Oh well he had probably a lot to worry about but she'd be damned if she let his worries distract her now. Sliding her hand further up his thigh to let it rest between them.

Justine had seen that Ms Savage had gone very quiet indeed and that the blush had deepend at the mention of both Mrs Sharpe and a divorce. It was perhaps unfair yet Justine had few other strategies right now. The discussion about the Northen Allies would wait and it seemed that she would have a good chance convincing Nairn that the Peninsular army would indeed face fiercer resistance than anticipated.

She picked up her glass, having had it refilled by Sir Stapleton and as she sipped the surprisingly good Spanish vintage, she gave a gentle squeeze to Alfonso's manhood.

As for Sharpe, well the man needed to be cut down a peg and seeing that Ms Savage was quite the thankful target to rouse his anger she'd continue to harass her until Sharpe's patience ended.

Gently caressing Alfonso as she listened to an anecdote of Sir Stapleton's, thinking that it would probably be possible to have a bath when the diplomatic necessities were done, and given that de Avellanos y Marca was to be her escort it would be prudent to assume that he would share such a bath.

"I have always found the British view on the sanctity of marriage quite interesting. Isn't it so that it is still considered rather a scandal for an officer and a gentleman to committ adultery? Rather a strange idea given the reason for Henri VIII to break away from the Catholic Church."

She looked squarely at Kate now, willing the girl to rise to her challenge, or even better have Sharpe do so.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Conversation had stilled somewhat around the table - although Richard had been sniping with that odious woman all day, none of these officers had witnessed that, and thusly Justine's continuation of the verbal duel seemed bizzare, especially in light of Sharpe's quiescence. Many of the officers were waiting for the coming explosion.

Finally Sharpe jerked his shoulders back and rumbled. "Colonel, your wit is beyond my understanding. If you'd like me to overlook your gender and call you out..

At this point Wellington barked Sharpe's name, stopping the sentence before it could be completed.

"I'm sure the Colonel meant nothing of the sort, Richard. She must know you by reputation and I'm certain so rational and modern a young woman wouldn't ride halfway across Europe to seek death when it can be found so easily close to home these days."

Turning to her and frowning the Field Marshal continued.

"As for YOU madam Colonel, your behaviour at my table hardly casts a good light on the French officer corps. I invited you to dine with my officers hoping you'd give them a taste of the country they're about to conquer, to help temper their hostility with a little affection for the many good points of the French people. I can't help but feel that you have made quite the opposite point for me so far this evening."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Colonel de Chasseurs Justine de Villiers

"If I have offended Milord then I ask your pardon."

Justine bowed her head in Lord Wellington's direction although she kept her eyes fixed on Sharpe.

"I fear that I perhaps have done France an injustice as well. But I'm sure that you my lord are better acquainted with the virtues of France than I am. I do not mean to sound presuptious but I know of your scepticism as to the ability of people to govern themselves. What was it you said? Order is only a rabble-rouser's shout away from anarchy. You know what the Revolution brought about in my country. I'm sorry I'm digressing although I daresay that Major Sharpe can benefit from a lesson in history."

She sat back and beamed at Picton who was seated opposite from her and seemed to share Sharpe's intense dislike for her. On the other hand it seemed that the Welshman disliked most things.

"It strikes me as fairly interesting though that in this room, among the staff of the British army there are representatives from all the conquered nations of the British isles. Please inform me my lord why you stand against France quest to free oppressed people when England has done the same for almost 700 years. You as an Irishman of all people should share the ideas of the Code Napoleon do you not?"

 

[Steiner]

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

She was as hard to pin down as an eel. Despite his rebuke she had answered in spirit without contradicting him, without offending him but without actually apologising either. He revised his opinion of her - she was more formidable than the trained hound she seemed at first glance.

However, she had already blundered.

"You know the answer to that already. When England seized Wales, Scotland and Ireland, it brought enlightenment and the rule of law. When France seized Spain and Portugal, it brough robbery, chaos and rape. France has written a moving document in the Code Napoleon, but our Lord teaches us that by their deeds shall ye know them. And we know our French cousins very well by now. Your proper Kings and princes should teach you true Noblesse oblige."

He took a deep drink of port, as if so much speech drained him.

"Order. Order in all things. I despise chaos - at the dinner table as well as in politics. So I will have order at my table for the duration of this meal. Whatever hard feelings remain between you and Major Sharpe, you will keep to yourselves - unless you have a complaint to make, when you can approach me formally after dinner. I must warn you, though, Madam that I run a fighting army here not a finishing school, and I expect my men to use the enemy harshly. Now, for the love of God, let the dessert course be served that this meal should proceed to a smooth conclusion."

 

[Katamari Roller]

Dessert sounded like a perfectly good idea to Alfonso. Specially if it got Justine to stop doing... what she was doing. Which was mighty improper for a lady do to in a host's banquet, he would have added if he was among friends. But for now, he just fancied not being treated like some kind of pet, as it seemed to him now.

Of course, Justine was petting him in quite an unfamiliar way to him. Not that he didn't appreciate it, but the moment was simply not the best to... erect a tent. Not in a saloon, not at the table.

He had some fresh water to cool down, and chase away sinful thoughts. Alfonso was not specially reticent to pleasure, but in this place, it would carry great shame. What was worse, was that he couldn't really act to make Justin stop her inappropriate behaviour. Not with the finest allied generals here...

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"I'm sure that both the Irish that suffered under Cromwell and the Scots who fell at Culloded has a different view on English enlightenment my lord."

Justine met Wellington's stare with one of her own although the small smile playing on her lips lessened the blow somewhat.

"One has to defend one's country does one not my lord? Even when she has, how should I put it, ventured down the wrong path. The war in Spain was perhaps not carried out in the best of fashions, yet you forget that the aim was to spread enlightenment to the oppressed of Spain. Alas the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

Leaning back and toasting Picton who still scowled at her. "I beg your pardon as well Sir Thomas in case I have offended the Welsh honour in any way."
She took a sip of the wine and sought Wellington's eye again.

"A toast then, to his Britannic Majesty George III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and to imminent cessation of the hostilities between France and Britain"

Staring at Sharpe as the officers around the table got up to mumble "The King" willing him to challenge her again by quietly mouthing "To whores and Wives"

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

His eyes, focused on her as he would study any enemy, did not miss the silent mouthing, and he felt his blood boil.

He raised his glass with the others and dutifully said "The King!" but as he was about to sit, he raised his glass to her as well. With a meaningful glance at Alfonso he lifted his glass and then refocused on Justine. "And your health as well, Madam." before sitting. Despite her claims, he reckoned, she was as much a whore as any campfollower after her actions today.

Wellington, nodded affably at Sharpe, thinking him making a peace. "Capital, capital." but Colonel Nairn, who had witnessed the entire exchange made a snorting noise and looked down at the table.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

The banquet had taken a turn for the worst, at least it felt that way to Kate. Colonel de Villiers seemed intent on offending both the host and triggering some response from Richard.

Kate knew Richard well enough to understand that even though he wasn't a gentleman per se, he wouldn't sit idly by and watch her being slandered.

She had joined in the toast to King George and watched de Villier's mouth what was must have been an insult to Richard. The notion was further strenghtened by colonel Nairn's reaction and the subsequent comment.

"She must be mad"

Kate had to acceed to the Scotsman's summary of the French woman colonel and she had to bite her lip not to burst out laughing. That would probably have angered Wellington.

Turning her focus back to Richard, smiling as she met his eyes. With a bit of luck the horrible Frenchwoman would keep quiet and make her enjoy dessert. Running her foot up Sharpe's calf, smiling innocently as she did.

 

[magbeam]

Owen Llewelyn

Owen Llewelyn had noticed the small maid the day before, working in the medical tent during the battle. Although she had been very useful, he as usualy had been utterly focused on his work, and he only caught glances of her - at least that left a conscious impression on him; when he was busy, he was busy - every so often. But he couldn't help but notice that every time, the impression of her had lasted longer and longer. He wasn't quite sure why; she looked nothing like Meredith had...did. But then again, perhaps that was why. She was short, her red hair longer and lighter and more lively than his own short rusty crop. And her skin - somewhat tanned, how exotic!

Owen was a surgeon, and had been serving in the Army for a shorter amount of time than many of the officers he dined with and soldiers he tended. From Cardiff, his father had been a well-to-do doctor, well enough off to afford to send his son to Oxford. Owen had enjoyed his studies, and returned home to the practice. He liked his work; he liked helping people; and he was honest enough to admit he liked the money. Life was good. At least until Meredith. After that painful period, he had decided to join the Army as a surgeon. His father had deemed him mad; after all, he could be killed, and there'd always be more women. And yet, here he was.

The Army was not quite what he had expected; but then again, he wasn't quite sure what to make of it going in. Certainly, it hadn't been quite as exciting or as dangerous as he had thought (feared?). And he couldn't quite make himself hate Napoleon. The man was a tyrant and the heir to regicides, and had carved up half of Europe, but so what? Britain was beyond Europe, he had always thought.

He had been rather shocked when she had been brought in with fever afterwards (although it was a risk of the medical tent, granted) and had tended to her the best he could. Of course, it was a fever, so his options were somewhat limited, as was the fact he had to keep watch over soldiers recovering from wounds he actually could tend to. But Owen still couldn't resist glancing over at the girl, feeling a strange stab of jealousy at the hulking Irishman who watched over her. He had only just learned her name! Susannah...

When she had at last recovered enough to talk, Owen took the time to chat with her, bringing her her clothes and food and news of the Irishman and her happy reaction at his devotion. At least she had someone to think fondly of. But bitterness did not suit him.

She inquired after her Mistress, which Owen looked after while she washed and dressed. Even he was a bit surprised - dinner with the Major, and Lord Wellington!

"If I may be so bold, I would gladly accompany you there, Miss Susannah. My patients are resting peacefully enough and I am sure they can cope under the watchful eye of the nurses until I return..." Owen offered, seizing his chance to get to know this young lady a bit better, to hold her arm, and - he admitted - to possibly meet Wellington. Or at least a glimpse of him up close. He ran his hand through his hair as he talked, an unconscious gesture he did when nervous.

"I would be honoured, Doctor. Although I would be even happier to be able to call you something other than Doctor, and to have you stop calling me miss..." she said as she took his arm, and he led her outside.

"As you wish, Susannah," he said as he smiled and bowed slightly. "I am Owen, and I am at your service. Owen Llewelyn, that is, not that I think you'd need it, it seems my name is singular among the soldiers and officers I've seen so far."

She smiled back at him, and he felt a spot of warmth inside. It had been much too long since...Meredith. But of course, Susannah had her Irishman, by all accounts infatuated with him.

She could do better than one of those brutes, of course, but who was he to interfere with love? He had learned that lesson the hard way. But still, no reason not to enjoy holding the attention of a pretty young, even if only for a stroll. And speaking of which, he might as well make the most of it. No reason not to also be graced with that pleasing voice.

"So, Mi...uh, Susannah, how did you come into the service of Miss Savage? if that is not an impolite question..." he hastily added.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"So, Mi...uh, Susannah, how did you come into the service of Miss Savage? if that is not an impolite question..."
"It is not impolite at all," Susannah replied smiling a little more, her armed looped comfortably through his as they walked. Flanked by tents on either side, soldiers milling around, regardless of the lateness of the hour.
"Although it's a rather uneventful story...I was working for a family back in Yorkshire as an undermaid and my Mistress visited Miss Savage's family. Miss Kate was in need of a maid and she seemed to take to me," She explained, almost shrugging. "I've been with her ever since..." Susannah added, glancing up into his face.

"And may I ask how you found yourself in this place? Miss Savage is visiting Major Sharpe, they are...old friends..." She finished delicately. "...and so I am here to attend to her...but what about you?" Another smile punctuated her question. "I would have thought someone with your obvious skills wouldn't need to place themself in such a precarious position, after all..."

Susannah suddenly faltered, realising she was not speaking to an equal, she was speaking to a professional and to a man she barely knew. How could she ask such candid questions so boldly?
"I mean..." Her feet paused, her cheeks flushing a little and her teeth catching on her lower lip. "I am sorry, my mouth has a habit of running away with itself...you...you don't have to answer that..." She looked down shyly, her eyes fixed upon the mud at their feet. Whatever would he think of her...?

 

[magbeam]

Owen smiled as she related the details of her employment, although whether it was due to her not being angry at his inquisitive nature, her smile in return, or just the pleasure he felt from sharing his arm with this pretty young thing in view of all the young, rough soldiers milling about, he didn't know. His smile widened as she looked up at him at the end of her tail.

"And may I ask how you found yourself in this place? Miss Savage is visiting Major Sharpe, they are...old friends...and so I am here to attend to her...but what about you? I would have thought someone with your obvious skills wouldn't need to place themself in such a precarious position, after all...I mean...I am sorry, my mouth has a habit of running away with itself...you...you don't have to answer that..."

Owen gasped softly without being aware of it, although not at her question but rather her reaction to it. The blood rushign to her cheek, her delicately biting her lower lip, the coy averting of her eyes behind those lustrous eyelashes...They reminded Owen of the last time he had seen a woman make those movements, under rather more intimate circumstances, and they were bringing back memories, mostly of how long it had been since he had had a chance to experience such intimate reactions again. Of course, Susannah was an innocent young thing by all appearances and likely wouldn't know what she was looking like. Good God, what would she be thinking now, him taking so long to respond?

Owen patted her hand in what he hoped was a fatherly manner, as much to reassure her as to remind him that he was a gentleman and shouldn't be having such thoughts. "Now now, my dear, no need for that. I find it quite charming, and if we are to be on first-name bases, then we must be friends, and it is only natural for friends to ask such questions, hmm?" he asked, smiling down at her.

"I am honored that you hold my skills in such high esteem, but I'm sure there are plenty of surgeons much more learned than I am," he said modestly. "I am not quite sure why I joined the Army. I suppose after so long in Cardiff, it became a bit constraining, and I suddenly felt the need to serve King and County." The first part was true enough, the second part was more than true, and only the third part was any sort of evasion. Owen didn't feel the urge to divulge his lost loves to this young girl, although certainly he did not mind her asking - he felt a strange sort of pride at being the center of her attention.

"So you see? Nothing shocking or improper, no need to feel embarassed," he finished, patting her hand again.

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

Susannah winced slightly as the pause after her words grew longer. This would be the first time she had spoken without thinking in front of people who were above her and she was expecting nothing less than to be put back in her place. But Owen patted her hand and caused her eyes to rise to his face, her expression mildly bemused and slightly concerned.
"Now now, my dear, no need for that. I find it quite charming, and if we are to be on first-name basis, then we must be friends, and it is only natural for friends to ask such questions, hmm?"
All at once Susannah felt so very silly. It was obvious he did not feel there was a difference between them, if he had, he would not have offered his name or spoken to her as he had.
"Thank you, Owen..." She replied softly, a smile creeping back onto her lips.

"I am honored that you hold my skills in such high esteem, but I'm sure there are plenty of surgeons much more learned than I am...I am not quite sure why I joined the Army. I suppose after so long in Cardiff, it became a bit constraining, and I suddenly felt the need to serve King and County."
Susannah listened attentively as they began to walk again, there was something slightly halting in his tone but she knew that regardless of what had passed between them so far, such things were far from being her business and to ask about them would be beyond the boundaries of their current friendship.
"So you see? Nothing shocking or improper, no need to feel embarassed,"

"I am sorry, Owen...I think I have placed myself in the way of more than enough berratings as a result of my mouths speed of delivery that I have grown accustomed to be reprimanded for being so candid..." Susannah sighed slightly, leaning a closer to him to avoid stepping into a rather deep looking, and especially muddy, puddle. "After all, I am only a maid...I have seen very little of the world and with as much as I have read...I still feel I have much to learn about it and the people within it..." She added with a light gasp, her footing slipping and causing her to lean a little more heavily against him.

"I...I believe I should find myself some army boots if my Misstress decides we are to stay here for much longer or it will not be long before I find myself face first in this slime..." Susannah laughed, steadying herself and trying not to focus on how close they had just been.

 

[magbeam]

"I am sorry, Owen...I think I have placed myself in the way of more than enough berratings as a result of my mouths speed of delivery that I have grown accustomed to be reprimanded for being so candid..."

He laughed at that, then instantly apologized. "I'm sorry, Susannah, I didn't mean to laugh at your misfortune. My brother has a similar disposition towards his manservants, likely due to the fact he lacks the ability to form a suitable jarring riposte. I assure you I will never be like that. In fact, I look forward to having someone keeping me on my toes."

"After all, I am only a maid...I have seen very little of the world and with as much as I have read...I still feel I have much to learn about it and the people within it...I...I believe I should find myself some army boots if my Misstress decides we are to stay here for much longer or it will not be long before I find myself face first in this slime..."

Owen forced a laugh from his mouth, growing a bit uncomfortable at how close she had suddenly pressed against him...although he had to admit it was more due to the fact it had forced a return to the ungentlemanly thoughts he had just been having of her than worry any of these soldiers would be concerned over any impropriety. "You needn't worry, Susannah. I'm sure being submerged in mud would have no impact on your charm, if you don't mind me saying."

 

[Britwitch]

Susannah

"You needn't worry, Susannah. I'm sure being submerged in mud would have no impact on your charm, if you don't mind me saying."
Susannah straightened herself and smoothed her dress, fighting a losing battle against the blush that was swiftly colouring her cheeks, warming them with obvious embarassment at his words.
"I...I am sure there are many much more charming than I..." She looked up and their eyes met for a moment. "...But I thank you for your kind words, Owen..."

She felt that strange, tingling sensation in her stomach once more. The same one she'd felt when Patrick had held her hands, kneeling before her beside the fire. Those events seemed to have passed so very long ago now. Susannah noticed the lines of his face as if looking at him for the first time. Before he had been the Surgeon, the Doctor, a man she had merely been assisting. Now he was Owen and he was smiling at her and she felt...she didn't quite know the words to describe how she was feeling.

"Well, Owen, I admit I know little of what is happening here..." She said, pushing some of her long auburn curls back over her shoulders that had fallen forwards when she'd slipped. "...Other than knowing that we were awarded with a victory today..." They continued on their way towards the inn,drawing one or two glances from soldiers as they did so but not attracting very much attention at all. "Do you think the war will go on for much longer? Having seen what passed earlier in the surgeon's tent I would hope not..." She shuddered momentarily, remembering the young men who had lost their battles against their injuries before her eyes. She paused as an idea flitted into her mind.

"Although...although I think I might ask my Mistress if...well, I felt useful earlier, when I was in the tent with the wounded...I felt as if I was doing some good...perhaps if my Mistress decides to stay with Major Sharpe for a while I might be able to assist you...if you think I could help? If you think you could use me?"

 

[magbeam]

"I...I am sure there are many much more charming than I...But I thank you for your kind words, Owen..."

He let himself laugh again, a bit more self-consciously. "If you believe that, then you truly have seen very little of the world." But her blush was large on his mind, especially as she briefly looked into his eyes before glancing away. While others would have appreciated her keeping her station in mind and eyes to herself, Owen found the gesture innocent, even more than a bit touching.

"Well, Owen, I admit I know little of what is happening here...Other than knowing that we were awarded with a victory today...Do you think the war will go on for much longer? Having seen what passed earlier in the surgeon's tent I would hope not..."

He shrugged at her question, oblivious to the glances they were recieving as they walked, his mind focused entirely on watching her play with her hair. He liked women's hair, loved what they did with it, loved watching it, had taken great joy in learning to gently brush Meredith's golden mane for her as she lay stretched out before him, both basking in the pleasant afterglow...

Owen forced himself to forget Meredith, and focus on answering this adorable little thing before him. "I'm no general. The war has gone on for years already and the Frenchies have held out admirably. But we're right on France's doorstep. Of course, the same thing was true twenty years ago and look what happened then. But I imagine it shouldn't be more than a few years." It was really a wild stab in the dark more than it was an educated guess, Owen truly could care less for such things. In a way it was cruel of him, knowing firsthand what the soldiers went through. But on the other hand, he did not relish having an excuse to return home, either.

"Although...although I think I might ask my Mistress if...well, I felt useful earlier, when I was in the tent with the wounded...I felt as if I was doing some good...perhaps if my Mistress decides to stay with Major Sharpe for a while I might be able to assist you...if you think I could help? If you think you could use me?"

"Truly?" Owen asked, a bit more excited than he knew he should be, being both a gentleman and a scholar and she but a maid, and one he had only known for a day at that. But the thought of her working alongside him, having an excuse to see her day after day, helping him through his misery...and perhaps not just that caused by looking after wounded youths...But that was terribly impudent of him to think such things.

"I would be delighted and honored if she would agree to that, Susannah. You are a delightfl girl, and I am certain I could find plenty of uses for you." He flashed her another smile, at the same time slowing his walking pace down. They were approaching their destination, and the closer they got, Owen found himself growing more and more reluctant to part ways with her.