‘I—’

‘You would be ruined whatever the verdict, which I cannot see could be other than “guilty”, in which case you would very likely be cashiered.’

‘I—’

‘You will therefore, this instant – at once, indeed – resign your commission. There is pen and paper in the antechamber. And having handed me your resignation you will quit the lines this very day for lodgings in the Fort and take passage home by the first sailing. Before leaving the lines, however, you will attend on the paymaster and sign an authority for recovery of the full amount owed to this unfortunate woman. He expects you.’

Channer was stunned, so complete and categorical were the terms. Then his aspect turned to insolence. ‘I see you have very well fixed me. A very willing little colonel’s fag.’

St Alban simply held his gaze.

Channer cleared his throat. ‘Very well. I bid you good day.’

‘Dismiss.’

Channer saluted, in a manner just compliant with regulation, and strode out.

When the door closed, St Alban leaned back in his chair and sighed with relief. He hadn’t been at all sure that Channer would leave without a fight (and even now he couldn’t be certain he’d not resile, cursing him for a prig and heaven knew what else), and nor had he been certain that he read the mind of the commanding officer rightly, who was perhaps more bound by strict procedure, but … For now, however, it looked as if there was just Waterman; and then they’d be shot of blackguards. There’d be just the usual run of idlers, scamps and dunces that were found in any regiment – with, thank God, one or two capable of greater things – though all of them, no doubt, brave enough when the call came.

IX

Council of War

Two days later

‘Gen’l’men!’

The serjeant-major’s usual bark was more moderated for regimental conferences, but imperative enough, and singular – just the ‘G’ and the second ‘N’ distinct, with those in between rolling into one in the rising minor third of the Tyne.

Hervey entered at nine o’clock precisely with Garratt, St Alban and Major Sleeman. He took off his cap, and smiled. ‘Be at ease, gentlemen. Be seated.’

The council of war – orders – was assembled in an open-sided marquee on the maidan beyond the horse lines. Hervey didn’t as a rule hold conferences seated. A seated conference somehow invited more discussion than was strictly necessary. Besides, men who spent a good part of the day in the saddle ought to favour standing upright to hear their colonel. This morning, however, he wanted his troop captains to have opportunity to take in the purpose and design of the coming months, so that as events unfolded – and doubtless unravelled the well-laid plans – they might better judge for themselves how to regain the scent, so to speak.

A dozen comfortable cane chairs were arranged in two ranks, with several more as flankers. Outside, a serjeant’s picket patrolled resolutely, ready to intercept the curious – if such were likely.