With 3 Coy, 5/60th Rifles

For the first time in three days Padstowe gave a smile of genuine happiness.

"Thank you, sir, I would be honoured. At what o'clock would be convenient?"

"Shall we say seven, or would you prefer to eat a little later? I understand you are kept busy these days, with part of the Army at least preparing to march."

The smile faltered a little as Padstowe wondered what Vickery must mean by his being 'kept busy', but he persevered.

"Seven would be ideal."

Vickery saw the smile falter a little and wondered what he had said wrong. He had only been referring to the man's duties as an Exploring Officer and that he would doubtless be briefing General Picton and the Colonels of the three regiments in the 2nd Division about the terrain and the possible movements of the French.

"I shall look forward to it, though doubtless Cotton won't. Until seven then, Captain."

"Until seven."

Padstowe smiled again and walked out of the room, juggling with his book and hat to put it back on his head.

Vickery closed the door behind him and returned to his seat. The conversation with Padstowe had given him a lot to think about. He pulled the Punishment Book over and stared down at it. He would hate to see Cotton's name in here for any reason. And seeing Roper's plain handwriting on the same page as his own script must look strange to anyone not used to the Rifles and their ways. He wondered how he would get on with Lieutenant Sharpe, and how the Rifles would get on with Colonel Edrington.

One thing was sure. Any disagreements between Sharpe and Edrington would put himself in an uncomfortable position.