Voyage Home

Callum held Henry in his arms, they were face to face as Henry rested, his little hands on Callum’s shoulders. Martha was standing behind Henry, staring at the both of them. Darin Talon stood in the doorway of the parlor watching his Captain and the boy, Dustin was at the end of the table nearest the back door watching as well.

“I know you will be a good lad while we are gone. Remember to take care of the mare and the colt, as Dustin said, and read your new book. I want to hear all about it when we return, alright?” Callum asked.

“Yes, sir.” Henry said and looked sad again, as sad as he looked yesterday.

“Mind your aunt and Darin. They know what’s best for you.” Callum said.

“I will.” Henry said. Callum pulled him in and hugged him.

“I love you, Henry.” Callum whispered. Henry wrapped his arms tight around Callum’s neck, burying his face into Callum’s neck.

“I love you, Papa.” Henry said with a muffled voice.

“We’ll be back before you know it, I promise.” Callum said, and knelt, putting the boy down, his feet on the floor. Henry let go and looked at Dustin. Dustin smiled and knelt. Henry stepped quickly to him and threw his arms around Dustin’s neck hugging him tight. Callum smiled and stepped to Martha, putting his hands on her shoulders, he kissed her forehead and she fell into him, wrapping her arms around his waist. She pulled back, her eyes were misting.

“Be careful.” She said.

“We will be.” Callum said. He let her go and looked at young Talon, “Be on your guard.”

“I will, sir. You can trust in that.” Talon said and put out his hand. Callum took it in his.

“I do.” Callum said and gave Talon a nod, taking his hand back. He turned for the door, Martha was hugging Dustin and she was openly dropping tears now, “Ready?” Callum asked, Dustin nodded and let her go. He opened the door and went out, Callum putting his hand on Henry’s head as he went by his son. They all watched as Callum and Dustin walked down the path of the knoll toward the opening in the stone fence as they headed for Harbroughs next door.

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“Good morning, gentlemen.” Christian said as he was standing next to the carriage with Owen.

“Good morning.” Callum said as he and Dustin walked up on the gravel drive from the small gate of the pasture. Callum looked about, “I take it Thomas is not quite ready yet?”

“He should be here any moment. You know Thomas, Quintan.” Christian said with a bit of a smirk.

“Yes, he will be late for his own funeral, I think.” Callum said as Thomas came around the corner of the house from the back door. He walked over toward them all very quickly, Callum gave him a look, there was something different this morning, a slight gimp in his step. Thomas smiled as he walked up, “Are you feeling alright this morning?” Callum asked.

“Yes, why?” Thomas asked.

“I don’t know, you seem to be having a bit of trouble with walking. You have a different type of step this morning.” Callum said.

“Oh, it is nothing, I assure you.” Thomas said and seemed a bit shocked and let it go, not looking Callum in the eye, “So, are we ready then?”

“We are.” Callum said, speaking for him and Dustin, and then the realization hit him, the three that stood before him. Callum looked at his friend Owen, putting out a hand toward him, “Owen, I cannot thank you enough for doing this for us.”

“Think nothing of it, my friend. I look at it as a bit of a holiday, a house without squealing girls in it. I rather look forward to it actually.” Owen said.

“I see.”

“I’ll drive.” Christian said loudly, going around the group. He climbed up on the seat, taking the reins in his hands.

“I’ll join you.” Dustin said, rolling his eyes. He looked at Owen and smiled. Owen put a hand on Dustin’s shoulder to stop him as Callum and Thomas climbed into the carriage.

“Be very careful. They told me last night what was going on.” Owen whispered. Dustin narrowed his eyes.

“We will be.” Dustin whispered in reply. Dustin pat Owen’s waist and walked around him, climbing up next to Christian on the bench and sitting down.

“A bit more comfortable than the cart we had from Cambridge, don’t you think?” Christian asked as he wiggled his butt a bit on the bench. Dustin smiled and nodded.

“Yes, but it will be a long drive.” Dustin said.

“That it will.” Christian said. Owen closed the door of the open carriage and looked at Callum and Thomas in the rear seat.

“Be safe.” Owen said.

“We will.” Callum said, “Be back before you know it.”

“I hope so.” Owen said to Callum and looked at Thomas, “I’ll be here when you return.”

“Thank you.” Thomas said softly and smiled. He winked at Owen. Christian set the reins with a snap, the horses set off, the carriage moved and turned around in the gravel heading for the road. Owen waved as they drove away and looked over toward the Cross, knowing he was alone now. He started toward the small gate to go out to the new barn.

“Christian, we have a stop to make in the village, if you please.” Callum said leaning forward a bit as they reached the road, Christian looked over his shoulder and nodded, making the turn. Callum sat back in the seat and looked over at his friend sitting next to him, “So, how was your night?” Callum asked softly, Thomas looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“One of the best I have ever had actually.” Thomas said softly.

“Is that so?” Callum asked.

“And in answer to your next question, the paintings do not do him justice at all.” Thomas said still with the raised eyebrow. Callum was wide eyed.

“You don’t say.” Callum whispered and then cleared his throat.

“It was quite remarkable.” Thomas said, “And a bit painful as well.” Thomas said as he was looking over the side of the carriage toward the Cross as they passed it. Callum chuckled.

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“Captain.” Dr. Stivers said as he opened the door, “Is something wrong?”

“No, Doctor. I apologize for the earliness of the hour. We have come to relieve you of your patient.” Callum said as he went to step in, Stivers went to stop him, but Callum pushed passed him, Dustin and Christian followed Callum in.

“I must protest, Captain. He really should not be moved.” Stivers said.

“You may protest as much as you like, Doctor. This is rather an urgent matter.” Callum said, stopping to turn and face the older man. He pointed at the door of the room he had visited Paupling in to Dustin and Christian. They went toward it quickly, “You have my word that we will do our very best to make certain that he is cared for, Doctor, but we are taking him with us.”

“I shall summon the Magistrate, Captain. This is kidnapping.” Stivers said, seeing the look on Callum’s face, he felt that he needed to be careful.

“Do what you think is necessary, Doctor, but I think His Honor will be more than relieved to be rid of any possibility of further trouble in our community with Paupling’s presence no longer here.” Callum said very firmly. He heard a groan from the other room and looked in that direction. Dustin emerged first, an arm draped over his shoulders, holding onto a hand, then Paupling came through the door, hopping on his good foot, Christian came through, the other arm draped over his shoulders. They mostly carried Paupling toward the front door.

“Doctor, I wanted to say thank you very much for taking such splendid care of me. I owe you a debt of gratitude, sir, for saving my leg.” Paupling said.

“Shut up or I will drop you on your ass. Then you can crawl out to the carriage for all I care.” Dustin said. Paupling looked over at him.

“Mr. Perkins, I apologize for whatever I have done to offend you, sir. I thought you were under the understanding that the Captain…”

“I said…shut up. It’s a long drive to London, and I would rather not have to hear anything that comes out of your mouth, as it will more than likely be a lie.” Dustin said.

“I would do what he says, my good man, if I were you.” Christian said on the other side of Paupling as they reached the front door and went through it sideways. Callum followed and was smiling. He turned and looked back at a shocked looking Stivers.

“Doctor, again, I apologize for the hour. I will see you upon our return.” Callum said with a slight bow of his head. He turned and walked out the door, leaving it open. Stivers came to the doorway and watched as Paupling was placed in the forward seat of the open carriage.

“Good morning to you, Doctor.” Thomas said with a slight bow of his head from the open carriage. Christian and Dustin climbed back up on the bench seat and the reins were snapped. The carriage moved and was turned around and headed off.

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“You have something on your mind, Paupling, what is it?” Callum asked as he looked directly across from Paupling. The leg in the splint had been propped on the bench that Callum and Thomas sat on, it being between them. Paupling looked up over his shoulder for a brief moment at the backside of Dustin and then back at Callum.

“I am not certain, Captain, after what Mr. Perkins said to me earlier, if I should say anything at all.” Paupling said. Callum shifted his eyes and looked up at Dustin, who was looking over his shoulder for a moment and then turned back to face the road.

“Mr. Perkins is still rather upset about those events that happened on our property those nights, Paupling. I am more than certain you can understand how he might feel, if you put yourself in his place for a moment.” Callum said, folding his arms over his chest.

“I can certainly understand, Captain. I can also see why you still carry a bit of anger over it yourself.” Paupling said.

“Oh, you have no idea how angry I truly am, Paupling. I have been under great strain to control just how I really feel, believe me.” Callum said. Thomas leaned forward a bit and looked at Paupling.

“You have never seen him truly angry yet. I have, and it is never very pretty. Just ask the French.” Thomas said and sat back.

“So, out with it, Paupling. Speak what is on your mind.” Callum said.

“Dr. Stivers, Captain. You know he is an agent of the Guardsmen.” Paupling said. Callum nodded.

“Yes, by his own admission to us that one night. And?” Callum asked.

“He sent a letter after he received one by special messenger, after you and I had our last talk. He knew you were coming for me. He must have been listening at the door to our conversation.” Paupling said.

“Or you told him.” Dustin said from above Paupling, making him lift his head.

“No, Mr. Perkins, I did not. You must believe me, there is far too much at stake.” Paupling said.

“So, we are heading into a trap.” Callum said, “We will probably be attacked somewhere on the road before we reach London. Somewhere out in the open I would think.”

“I would imagine so, Captain. Upton must be aware of your coming to London by now. You have given him something else to think about now.” Paupling said.

“What?” Callum asked.

“You.”

“Why me?” Callum asked.

“Think for a moment, Captain. You are the only one in all of this that cannot be controlled, cannot be planned for, a free agent, if you will. You act according to what happens around you and he has to react to it. It is obvious that now he wants to have you eliminated from the equation to carry out his plans.” Paupling said.

“So says the obvious.” Dustin said as he looked down at Paupling with a glare. Dustin shifted his eyes and looked at Callum, “I say we leave him on the side of the road, Quintan, be done with him.”

“I agree with Dustin, Quintan.” Christian said as he looked over his shoulder once and then back ahead.

“If you were to do that, Captain, we could not carry out what needs to be done and you know that.” Paupling said.

“You speak of this man Pennysort.” Callum said.

“As I said, Captain, he is key in this. If he has the information that we require, I can have Regulars in place within a matter of hours to stop this, all of it.” Paupling said.

“And if not?” Thomas asked.

“We will have to think of something else, Captain Tomlin, won’t we?” Paupling asked as he looked at Thomas. Thomas rolled his eyes.

“You see, more smoke and shadow, Quintan. I told you this would happen if you listened to him.” Dustin said.

“What do you want me to do, Quintan?” Christian asked.

“Keep going, Christian. We have no choice,” Callum said, he glared at Paupling, “do we?”

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“Quintan, the river is just ahead.” Christian called over his shoulder. Callum rose up off the bench, putting his hands on Christian’s and Dustin’s shoulders. He looked ahead. The River Avon was less than two miles away, a stone bridge allowed one to cross easily and was wide enough for two carriages or wagons to pass each other with no issue. The bridge was clear, they could clearly see, but along the banks of the river, on both sides, there were trees and dense brush.

“Pull up just ahead, Christian.” Callum said and pat the shoulder. He sat back down on the bench.

“What are you thinking?” Thomas asked.

“A perfect place for an ambush if there ever was one. Reminds me of that time with Carl Anders when we were outside of Cadiz.” Callum said. The carriage slowed and pulled off to the edge of the road, “Do the horses need a rest, Christian?”

“I don’t recall hearing fully about you and Anders in Cadiz.” Thomas said with a concerned look.

“They seem to be doing well, Quintan. They have not had much of a strain with their pulling.” Christian said as he looked them over before getting down.

“Good. Dustin, give me a hand if you would.” Callum said as he opened the door of the carriage, getting out and going to the rear at the hopboard. Dustin climbed down and came to the rear of the carriage. Callum unstrapped their trunk and opened the lid. Dustin reached his hands inside, Callum doing the same. Thomas turned and looked over the back to see what was going on. He was surprised when Callum held the pistol near his face.

“Oh.” Thomas said.

“Take it.” Callum said, “As well as these others.” Callum said and handed pistols one by one to Thomas. He pulled out the extra powder and a bag of shot as well. Thomas took them all and stacked them on the seat, “Take yours and keep them on the bench with you,” Callum said as he looked at Dustin, “if it does come, make certain to be ready. Every shot must count.” Callum nodded, Dustin returned the nod. Callum placed the straps back over the trunk and worked another behind it, freeing the swords that were between the trunks and the carriage. He took them and handed them over to Thomas as well.

“Nothing like being fully armed.” Thomas said, “Are we going to fight a war?”

“No, but perhaps a bit of a fierce battle.” Callum said and flashed his eyes.

“You’re just itching for it, aren’t you? The only thing we seem to be missing is a cannon.” Thomas said.

“Quintan, there is a large wagon coming toward the bridge.” Christian said at the head of the horses, he was walking back toward the carriage but looking over his shoulder.

“Time to get moving.” Callum said retying the straps quickly, “I would rather face them while we were moving than sitting still.”

“I agree.” Christian said loudly as he climbed up on the bench seat quickly, taking the reins in his hands, Callum was climbing into the carriage as the reins were snapped and the carriage leaped forward, Callum sitting down next to the outer edge of the bench, the pistols stacked between he and Thomas and Paupling’s foot. Callum raised up a bit and looked forward, the bridge was getting closer.

“If they stop on the bridge to block us, we will turn around, Christian.” Callum said.

“What if they try to run us off the road?” Christian asked leaning forward a bit more watching the large block wagon reaching the far side of the bridge now. There was only a single driver, sitting in the middle of the bench seat.

“Do your best to go around them then. They will have to turn around on this side of the bridge if they cross, we should be able to outrun them as they are heavier.” Callum said.

“Yes, but they are four horses to our two.” Dustin said.

“They would have to try and outrun Thoroughbreds,” Christian said as he looked at Dustin and smiled, “Steeplechase champions to boot.” Dustin gave Christian a grin in reply and looked ahead.

“Oh, and to think, I wanted to stay home. Look at what I would have missed.” Thomas said with a huff. Callum looked over at him and chuckled then looked ahead again. He watched as the wagon crossed the stone bridge and then started to come on their side of the road, as if it was going head on with them.

“Christian?” Callum asked, standing now. Dustin grabbed the bench and held on tight.

“I see it.” Christian said, “Oh, dear God.” Christian said as they watched the side door open of the block wagon, a man in black leaned out, pistol in hand, Callum moved back, snatching a pistol off the seat, cocked it, swung back, arm between Dustin and Christian, leveled, aimed and pulled the trigger. The cloud of smoke blew over them all as the carriage moved, the man in black fell from the block wagon, “Damn it, hold on!” Christian yelled as the wheels on his side ran over the body in the road as the block wagon passed them. The carriage hopped a bit, jostling them all.

“Have a care of my stitches, Christian, if you please.” Thomas said loudly as he pulled a pistol off the bench and readied himself.

“You can stop whining now, Thomas, or you can jump.” Christian said looking ahead. Thomas and Callum looked over the rear of the carriage. The block wagon was trying to turn around, but was having difficulty with their length against the width of the road. Callum and Thomas could see men coming out of the block wagon, some climbing up on top, carrying muskets and pistols. Callum and Thomas looked at each other for a moment and then back toward the wagon.

“I counted eight.” Callum said.

“As did I, without the driver.” Thomas said. He shifted a bit and got to his knees on the floor of the carriage. Callum got down as well on the floor.

“Get me some distance, Christian.” Callum said over his shoulder.

“Working on it, Quintan.” Christian said without looking back.

“Captain, give me pistol, I can help you.” Paupling said.

“Don’t trust him, Quintan.” Dustin said from the bench looking back toward the block wagon as well.

“I have as much to lose as you do, Mr. Perkins.” Paupling said.

“How? They’re your men.” Dustin said, pointing toward the block wagon.

The carriage crossed over the stone bridge and made it to the other side. Dustin looked up from where he was, kneeling on the floor below the bench seat. He saw something on their side of the river, toward the east. He raised up a bit as the shot went off.

“Uh,…we have another problem.” Dustin said. All eyes looked in the direction from where the shot came. Six riders came out of the brush, galloping across the grassy expanse toward the carriage, pistols in hands, reins in the other. Thomas swung with his cocked pistol, he waited just a moment and pulled the trigger. Dustin raised up over Christian a bit and saw a rider fall to the grass.

“Nice shot, Thomas.” Christian said over his shoulder.

“Finally,…a compliment.” Thomas muttered and shook his head a bit setting the spent pistol down on the bench and picked up another. Callum chuckled as he watched the block wagon. He cocked his pistol, held it up in the air a moment with bent elbow, leveled it, then saw the movement out of the corner of his eye to his right, swung the pistol right and fired, Thomas turning his head away from the spark and flash. Another rider fell.

“Captain,…” Paupling started to say as Callum shoved the spent pistol into Pauplings lap, then the powder, and the extra shot.

“If you want to help,…load.” Callum said, raising an eyebrow. Paupling gave him a brief smile and set to it.

“Watch it.” Dustin said. Callum looked back at the block wagon, one of the men on top was kneeling and leveling a musket. He fired, the ball ripping into one of the trunks on the hopboard.

“If that has ruined one of my new good shirts…” Thomas said through clenched teeth, handing a spent pistol back to Paupling and pulling another from the bench. He cocked it and aimed at another rider that was coming very close. He pulled the trigger and the man screamed and fell, being trampled by another rider directly behind him. That man went to level his own pistol, Callum swung on him and fired, he rolled out of the saddle and off the end of the horse landing in a heap on the edge of the road. The last two riders rode out in a wide circle, swinging back behind the wagon. Dustin raised up and elbowed Christian once.

“They’re gaining on us.” Dustin said. Christian looked over his shoulder seeing the block wagon getting closer, three men on the top of the block wagon were leveling their muskets. Dustin went to level his pistol, Callum looked up from preparing his.

“Captain,” Paupling said, Callum looked back at Paupling as he had a cocked pistol in his hand, looking like it was pointed at Callum, Paupling leaned forward and used his other hand, pushing Callum out of the way toward Thomas who was now leveling his own at the men on the top of the block wagon. Paupling pointed the pistol over the back of the carriage and fired. The horse grunted and fell at the front of the team of the block wagon, the other horses tangled and fell as well, the block wagon came to a sudden and violent stop with the impact of bodies, steel of the wheels, and wood. Men screamed as they were thrown and hit the ground, the driver was ripped from his seat and sent into the horses. Christian snapped the reins again and the Thoroughbreds dug into the dirt road even more. The block wagon was falling further and further behind.

“You shot the damned horse.” Dustin said as he looked down at Paupling.

“I did.” Paupling said as he took the pistol and started to reload it. Callum was looking back at the block wagon, he slowly turned and looked at Paupling with narrowed eyes.

“That was not necessary.” Callum said as he rested against the bench.

“It will buy us time, Captain.” Paupling said as if nothing had happened at all.

“I wonder how long it will be before all of us are merely like that unfortunate horse.” Callum said.

“If we are not successful, Captain, it will be rather quickly, I assure you.” Paupling said, handing the loaded pistol to Thomas. Paupling started loading another one.

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The carriage was stopped on the side of the road, London was off in the distance and could be seen. Callum was pacing as everyone was either relieving themselves or helping Christian check the horses or pistols yet once again. Thomas came out of the brush, doing the flap of his pants, looking up and saw Callum pacing. He walked over to Callum and stopped his pacing by standing there in front of him with arms folded.

“What are you thinking?” Thomas asked.

“What to do with Paupling.” Callum said softly.

“Why not take him with us?” Thomas asked.

“To our appointment?” Callum asked.

“Why not?” Thomas asked with a slight shrug, “You think he knows what is really going on, don’t you?”

“He says he does.” Callum said.

“Then why not let him prove it? We meet with His Grace and Lord Eldon as planned, but we give them Paupling as the proof that they need in all of this. Your hands are free of him at that point, and we can return home. Although by another route, I would suggest, especially if those Guardsmen are still hanging about back there.” Thomas said. Callum smiled and shook his head.

“You know, Thomas, it is times like these that you prove your worth to me.” Callum said.

“What do you mean?” Thomas asked.

“Your brutal honesty, there is none that is quite like it anywhere else in this world. It’s one of the reasons that I love you so.” Callum said. He put his hands on Thomas’ shoulders and pat him once, turning and walking away toward Christian. Thomas watched Callum talk with Christian a moment, who nodded and gave Callum a smile. Callum nodded as Dustin came from the horse on the other side and climbed up on the bench seat.

“I’ll drive.” Dustin smiled as he looked at Christian.

“Alright, if you want.” Christian said as he climbed up next to Dustin, putting his arm around Dustin’s shoulder. He pulled Dustin into a friendly side hug and then let him go as Callum climbed into the carriage after Thomas. They settled on the rear bench. Paupling had gone to sleep. Callum was suspicious of it and wondered if he was pretending, but it had been a long drive and with his leg the way it was, but he wondered. Dustin snapped the reins and the carriage set off.

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It was soon that they were in the outskirts of London. Callum knew where he was, as did Christian, who pointed for Dustin as to where to go, steering the team. Houses were slipping by slowly as they reached an area before the buildings of the city were coming into view. There was an open area, Thomas was the first to see them, he reached across the bench and touched Callum on the leg and then pointed without saying a word. Each of them reached for pistols between them on the bench as Paupling started to sit up on his bench opposite them. The riders came up and blocked the road. Their uniforms were brilliant red, sword pommels flashed in the late afternoon sun. The officer rode ahead of his men and stopped. He held up a hand. Dustin reined the horses to a halt.

“Captain Callum?” The officer called out as he looked the carriage over. Callum stood up on the floor of the carriage.

“I am Callum.” The officer saluted quite smartly at seeing him and lowered his hand from his broad brim. He kicked the horse gently and stepped forward.

“I am Lt. Marston, sir. His Grace’s compliments to you. I have been sent to escort you and your party, Captain.” The officer said.

“Escort us where?” Callum asked, pistol in hand but out of sight.

“It might be a trap, Captain.” Paupling whispered from his seat, Callum shifted his eyes down and then back toward the officer.

“To the residence of His Grace, sir.” Marston said, “If you will follow me, please.”

“I beg your pardon, Lieutenant, and do not think me being rude, but, where exactly is His Grace’s residence?” Callum asked.

“I thought you knew, sir, as you have been there before, I am told by His Grace.” Marston said.

“Yes, I have been there before, Lieutenant, have you?” Callum asked, flashing his eyes toward Thomas for a moment and then looked back at the officer.

“I take your meaning, Captain.” Marston said with a bit of a smile, “His Grace relayed to me to give you a message, if I may, sir, something that he said to you recently, I believe.”

“And what is that?” Callum asked.

“Trust no one in this.” Marston said. His eyes did not flinch or waver once. Callum flashed a brief smile.

“Lead on, Lieutenant.” Callum said and held out his free hand. All eyes turned and looked at Callum in the carriage.

“Have you gone mad? After what we’ve been through today?” Thomas asked.

“Remember, it was emphasized when he wrote that in his letter to us.” Callum said, “They are here to escort us, sent by His Grace, this I can trust in.”

“I hope so.” Thomas said quietly and sat back in the seat. The Regulars broke up, four of them moving to the rear of the carriage and forming up, the other four at the front, Lt. Marston at the head of them. He looked over his shoulder once, nodded in Dustin’s direction and then kicked his horse. The procession proceeded at a trot through the cobblestoned streets. People stopped their walking and looked at who it was that was going by being led by such elegant Regulars.

“Captain, I think you should stop along the way and have me deposited before you meet with His Grace.” Paupling said.

“Now, why is that, Paupling?” Callum asked.

“Your meeting should be in private and I have other pressing matters.” Paupling said.

“Nonsense. You were going to be in Birmingham for at least another two weeks, if not longer with your leg. What pressing matters could you possibly have, I wonder? If anything, our bringing you here to London with us has only lent to you surprising everyone that you know. What would be the harm in another couple of hours? You could have a bit of tea and relax a bit more. Once our meeting is over, then we can deliver you wherever you wish.” Callum said with a smile.

“Captain, I really think…” Paupling started to say but Thomas leaned forward, a cocked pistol in his hand.

“I think you should sit back and shut your mouth. I for one have had just about enough of you for one day.” Thomas said through clenched teeth. Paupling eased a bit in his seat, shifting his eyes between Callum and Thomas. Dustin stayed with the Regulars, guiding the carriage through turns in the streets. Callum kept a close watch and things started to look even more familiar to him. Another left turn and they were on a wide cobbled street, the hooves of all the horses echoed their clatter against the buildings that towered above them on both sides. Callum looked up, a single Sentry was at the door of the fine looking house and Callum eased himself a bit as he recognized where they were. He looked over at Thomas and smiled warmly. The Regulars stopped as the carriage pulled up, even with the steps that led up to the front doors. The Sentry snapped to attention smartly and did not move his eyes. Marston climbed down off his horse and came down the walk to the carriage, opening the door on Callum’s side. He then saw all of the pistols and swords that were assemble and went a bit wide eyed over it. Callum saw the look. He got up off the seat.

“Ah, yes, we ran into some robbers on the road, I’m afraid.” Callum said as he climbed out and onto the walk to stand in front of Marston.

“I see, sir. I trust they did not give you much difficulty?” Marston asked.

“No, we made them show us their heels.” Callum smiled. He heard the door at the top of the step open and looked. He smiled at what he saw. No matter how many times Callum saw him, spoke with him, walked with him, he always felt so humbled in his presence, Arthur Wellesley, The Duke of Wellington. There was no other word that could be used to describe him but elegant. His was grace and poetry in motion, in all things. His voice flowed as if everything he said had been practice a hundred times over. They made eye contact and Callum bowed fully as he came down the steps of the house.

“Quintan, you made it, thank God.” Wellesley said.

“Your Grace. I am so honored to be received.”

“Now, now, my friend, none of that.” Wellesley said, putting a hand on Callum’s shoulder, “I told you to dispense with that. It is not necessary between friends.” Wellesley looked about at the carriage seeing the group assembled with his friend beside him that was now rising from his bow, “And in distinguished company, I see. Gentlemen.” Wellesley bowed his head a bit. They all bowed toward him deeply from where they were.

“Your Grace.” They all said in unison.

“Mr. Perkins, I believe.” Wellesley said as he looked up at Dustin, “I remember the pleasure of your company that evening in the Captain’s home at your table. You look very fit, sir. It seems that country life suits you and you are benefitting from it very much.”

“Your Grace is too kind.” Dustin said with another bow.

“Not at all. In fact, I think we should have a private discussion between the two of us about what keeps you so fit looking, Mr. Perkins. Perhaps I could use that knowledge to pass it along to my men and we would be the best fit army in the world.” Wellesley smiled. Dustin was positively beaming and bowed deeply again toward him from the bench seat. Wellesley looked at Marston that was standing beside him at rigid attention, he looked him up and down, “Wouldn’t you say so, Lieutenant?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Marston said staying very rigid. Wellesley turned his attention toward Thomas. He held up a finger, clearly thinking and then it dawned on him.

“Lt. Tomlin, I recall. Our first meeting was right here actually, you were on horseback after pursuing me to find out about my status with the Captain here after the attack upon my person.”

“Your Grace is too kind to remember something so meaningless.” Thomas said.

“On the contrary. I also remember what you said, and I shall never forget it when I charged you with your Captain’s personal safety. You said to me,…now I want to get it right,…you said, it was a full time job.” Wellesley said with a bit of a grin.

“And indeed, it has been, Your Grace.” Thomas said and bowed deeply.

“Yes, I’m quite sure after reading of your latest sailing at the Admiralty.” Wellesley said as he side glanced Callum, who bowed his head slightly. Wellesley looked up on the bench and saw Christian, standing there on the floor of the bench seat, “And of course, I remember you as well, My Lord Earl.” Wellesley bowed slightly.

“Your Grace.” Christian said. Callum watched Christian intensely, not just his beauty, but the way he was, his manner. This was his element, in the midst of those of noble birth. Christian seemed to fall back into it with such ease to Callum.

“I understand that a promotion was recently given to you, to Captain, I believe.”

“I had no idea that Your Grace would pay such close attention, when he has far more important matters to attend to.” Christian said, bowing again, “I am deeply honored.”

“It is I that am honored, My Lord Earl.” Wellesley said, “Especially with such distinguished company about me. All of you are becoming the stuff of legend in what you do, and are doing in the service to His Majesty and to our Nation. I must say, that I have held my breath until I have seen your safe arrival.”

“With many thanks, Your Grace, and for receiving us so eloquently.” Callum said.

“Nonsense, Quintan.” Wellesley looked at him, “I mean what I say, I am more than honored, I am humbled to have you here, all of you.”

“Your Grace is far too kind.” Callum said, bowing his head again. Wellesley turned and looked at Paupling.

“However, I am at a loss to understand why you are with such distinguished company, Paupling.”

“Your Grace,” Paupling said and bowed his head, “I do apologize. I had asked of the Captain to have me deposited before they came to meet with you.”

“I see. And I take it that the Captain had other thoughts on the matter?” Wellesley asked.

“Quite so, Your Grace.” Paupling said.

“Forgive me, Your Grace,” Callum said, “I had a thought that Mr. Paupling might be able to either stimulate or clarify some of our conversation in the matters we need to speak of.”

“Is that so?” Wellesley asked as he looked at Callum, “Well then, let us not stand here in the gutter speaking. Please, gentlemen, do come in. Lord Eldon is waiting inside for us. Marston,” Wellesley said seeing the condition of Paupling’s leg in the splinting, “have your men assist this man up into the house, if you please.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.” Marston said, snapping even more rigid. He signaled with his right hand and several of his men were there at the carriage door, starting to pull him out. Wellesley walked up the steps, Callum walking beside him, Thomas, Christian, and Dustin followed up and into the house behind.

“Dear God,…be careful.” Paupling said with a grunt as he was manhandled out of the carriage by the Regulars. They closed the door of the carriage, Marston leading the group that carried the man up the steps. They went in through the door and it was closed behind them. The single Sentry eased his position at his post outside the door but stayed at attention.