“I hear Uxbridge was sent to Wellington,” Geoff said. “Have you heard what his reception was?”
Thomas barked a laugh. “My father got a letter from one of his friends. Someone asked Wellington about Uxbridge running off with Wellesley’s wife, and our illustrious general said, ‘Lord Uxbridge has the reputation of running away with everybody he can. I’ll take good care he don’t run away with me.’”
The others joined in the laughter.
“Damned good commander,” another officer said. “My cousin served under Paget, as he was then, in Spain.”
The talk turned to commanders they were glad to see back and those they would have been happy never to see again.
Then one of the younger lieutenants said, “I hear we’re missing all the best entertainments. I hope there are some left to attend when we arrive.”
“Unless we go immediately into battle, which is unlikely as Napoleon has yet to leave Paris, the last I heard, you can count on Wellington having a ball,” Thomas said. “They have been doing more dancing than marching from what I’ve heard.”
Elizabeth would like attending balls and other entertainments, Geoff thought. Yes, he definitely had to make things up with her. The passage to Ostend would be the perfect time. He had made sure they had a room to themselves. As long as she didn’t become seasick, it would be the perfect time.
“Do you think Wellington will take the battle to Napoleon?” he asked.
“Not unless he has all his brigades in place,” his friend replied. “Are you not concerned about bringing your bride with you?”
Interestingly enough, Geoff had never considered leaving Elizabeth behind. He wasn’t a soldier, and if they had to flee, that’s what they would do. “I shall watch the situation closely.”
“You and Harry Smith. I heard he and his wife, Juana, are already in Belgium.”
“Harry Smith?” Geoff shook his head.
Thomas spent the next several minutes telling Geoff about Major Smith and the young woman he had married after the battle of Badajoz. “She was only fourteen, but they took one look at each other and Harry said he was going to marry her, and she agreed. Best little campaigner you’ve ever seen.”
It was after midnight when Geoff finally left the inn, telling Thomas and the others he’d see them in Belgium. Geoff wondered if Elizabeth would like to host a dinner for them and some of the other gentlemen she’d met that would be there. That reminded him that he must attempt to find Colonel Lord Hawksworth when he arrived.
* * *
The next day, Geoff, Elizabeth, their servants, horses, carriages, and luggage had no sooner been loaded on the boat than a man with the insignia of a colonel approached the captain. They chatted for a few minutes, after which Captain Higgins motioned toward Geoff.
“My lord,” the colonel said. “I am Colonel Lord John Fitzhenry of the 73rd Regiment of Foot. I hear you’re headed to Ostend. I must get my men across. The rest of my unit already landed but we were held up. We’ve been waiting for a week now, and have been unable to obtain transport. May we trouble you for a ride?”
“A ship left this morning,” Geoff said, knowing the man would have been on it if he could have been, and it was too late now in any event. Selfishly, he did not want to give up his time to reunite with Elizabeth.
“Unfortunately, we arrived after the ship was already underway. I asked around and we were told we might be able cross on theSally Ann.”
Part of him wished to deny the request. Geoff had been in his wife’s black book long enough, and he’d planned to use the passage to try to discover what he had done and make amends. Then again, he had a duty to offer assistance. He was damn lucky the ship hadn’t been commandeered. It was possible the colonel could force him to take them. Still, if he could find a way out of it, he would. Perhaps he could find another vessel for the soldiers to take. He did have some influence after all.
Yet, before he could speak, the feminine voice that haunted his dreams said, “Of course you shall come with us, Colonel.” She dipped a shallow curtsey. “I am sure there will be enough room for you and your men.”
Hell and damnation! Geoff clamped his jaw shut and fought to keep the scowl off his face. Would he never have time to speak with her? Still, he couldn’t very well object after she’d made the offer. She would be even more furious with him than she already was. “My wife is absolutely correct. You are more than welcome to join us. We sail on the evening tide.”
“Thank you, my lord, my lady.” The colonel bowed. “We will not hold you up.”
“Think nothing of it,” Elizabeth said. “We are happy to help in any way possible.”
The man went off, Geoff supposed, to gather his troops. “It will be crowded on the ship,” he mused, hoping Elizabeth was paying attention to him.
“Yes, but it is only for a matter of hours.” She surveyed the vessel. “I am sure we will be comfortable. TheSally Annhas sufficient cabins that we need not give up ours. Although, I believe we must share the salon with Lord John and the officers he will have with him.”
Sufficient cabins that we need not give up ours.
Geoff breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps she wished to settle their difficulties as well. “I should speak with the captain about the new arrangements.”
Elizabeth watched Geoffrey stride off in the direction of the captain who was, again, in conversation with the colonel. She should have asked how many additional people would be onboard. The hotel’s landlady had provided her with enough remedies formal de merfor Elizabeth’s party, but with the soldiers accompanying them she should ask if the hotel’s cook should make up more. Even if theSally Ann’s cook had remedies, he might not have enough for the new passengers, and who knew how many of the soldiers would become ill.
