Page 84

He indicated Arbuthnot’s behind her.

“A visit to your favourite haunt?”

They both smiled, Elizabeth having told the Colonel that she read extensively.

“Indeed. We left Mr. Arbuthnot with a smile on his face. But other than visits to his establishment, when I am in residence at Napier Hall I do not spend much time here in town. I was in mourning for my late husband and then entered society this past winter, as you know. For these last few years, my knowledge of Bath has been limited to right here, Mr. Arbuthnot’s premises.”

Elizabeth made no attempt to hide her recent ascension to the nobility. There were far too many people all desperate to make petty and snide comments, there was nothing to be gained in pretending to be something that she was not. She could not remember if she had told the Colonel even although she presumed he had been informed by the Countess.

“I was about to take some luncheon. Are you free to join me?”

The Colonel offered his arm, and after a moment’s hesitation Lady Napier accepted. They did not walk far, stopping at one of the better inns in the centre of Bath. He noticed that one of the guards remained outside the inn, but that the senior man, and the maid entered with them.

“Two tables please. One for the three of us, one for two. It will be settled in one bill.”

Richard noted that the maid and guard were eating with them. Not right beside them, but with sight of the Baroness’ table.

“It is good to be out of that summer sun. And as you mentioned Colonel, it allows us the chance to talk without interruption. What about you sir? How often are you in Bath?”

“I have spent a few weeks in the town, over three, no four, separate visits. This was when I was still a child with my parents. Limited leave from my Regiment did not allow me the time to lounge in Bath.”

She smiled at the tall and rugged man in front of her. That he was Mr. Darcy’s cousin was to be ignored at present. She would think on that later.

“What brings to here this year?”

“Two things. The first, I was granted leave after ensuring that several new troops of Dragoons embarked at Bristol docks. I have been in charge of training new troopers for all the Dragoon Regiments back in London. Before I return to start training the next batch I was granted leave. Given that I was so close to civilisation, my plan was to spend the month here, just relaxing and enjoying the society. But then the second thing occurred. I ran into a former commanding officer, now a General, and he requested that I stand with him at his wedding in the middle of September. It is amazing when a senior General makes a request for an officer to be temporarily assigned to his staff, how easily all the issues are dealt with. So I am here for twelve weeks in total, two of them already passed.

“The news from the continent is such that I can only hope that this latest batch of new troopers is the last that we shall need. Indeed they may not be needed at all. With the Corsican imprisoned on Elba peace can finally come to Europe after more than 20 years.”

She looked at him.

“Your entire time in military service, longer than your entire adult life.”

He was impressed, this was better than talking about the weather.

“My own thoughts exactly. It might explain why there was no reluctance from Horseguards to the request from the General for me to be assigned. Although it now means I have to consider the future.”

“I am not sure I fully understand.”

“My apologies, my Lady. Are you sure you wish to hear all the machinations?”

Elizabeth smiled at him, the Colonel suddenly very conscious he was dining with a beautiful young woman.

“I am interested Colonel, please continue.”

She was interested? Richard had to calm his nerves.

“I am a Cavalry officer and that limits where I can serve. Or at least serve easily. There is one command that is impossible, so let us deal with that first. The Sugar Islands, including the coast of the Spanish Main, are notorious for killing men and beasts. And with the islands all being small there is little need for Cavalry anyway. The three main theatres of war currently are Canada, with the renewed fighting against the Americans. India, with an endless need for pacification, both at the borders but also internally. And finally Australia, where there is no need for pacification, but rather a vast continent that needs exploring in terrible conditions. All three are long journeys, all measured in months. The Regiment might be sent but we would need to acquire fresh horses upon our arrival.”

He flushed slightly.

“I am sorry, you did not need to hear about the disposition of British Army Cavalry Regiments. The two normal places for the Cavalry when not at war are at home and in Ireland. Having spoken to men who have already served in the latter, I have no wish to do so. I am not sure of my future.”

“There is no need to apologise Colonel. It was interesting to hear. You read of battles or skirmishes or some military action in each of those places but it takes hearing it from a professional to understand some of the nuances. That there has never been reference to the Cavalry in the Sugar Islands is obvious now that I think back on the different articles and stories.”

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam basked in the smiling appreciation of Lady Napier. He had hoped to become reacquainted with the young widow, and now the next two months in Bath were looking a whole lot more pleasurable. He listened in turn as Elizabeth recounted her time on the estate, getting caught up with her Steward and Agent, checking on the tenants.

“Do you have plans yourself, my Lady?”