Training Day - afternoon, 16th May

[This is the general thread for the Training Day:
there are separate threads for
skirmishing;
a rifle competition;
a demonstration of an air rifle;
a chance for other troops to talk to riflemen and fire rifles at targets.]

The afternoon was bright - no rain, but high clouds running before a wind that kept the trees in constant motion. The trees and the bushes would add interest to the skirmishing, Edrington thought - it would give a better idea of the skills of the riflemen, than skirmishing in an open field, and would also demonstrate the virtues of a dark green uniform over a bright red one. Hunter and his two rifle officers had set things up well, and now all he had to do was ensure that the Staff, when they arrived, had a good view of the proceedings, and someone to explain things to them.

von Lossow had been making his way toward Colonel Edrington when he saw the staff arriving and demanding his friends attention. Wise to the ways of senior officers, he decided to watch the proceedings from where he was. As the KGL line batallions had riflemen in each company, he already knew what to expect. Perhaps when the Windbüchse was being demonstrated...

Only due to the timely intervention by Captain Needham was Prestwich on time for the beginning of the training: he was deep in a technical argument with a Portuguese engineering officer and as usual lost track of time. In the end Prestwich dragged the man along, the argument still raging as Needham led them to the training ground. Starley and some of his younger officers were already there, and the man gave Needham a pitying glance when he observed Prestwich and his companion.

Following a particularly scathing remark, the Portuguese officer exclaimed in dismay and launched into a somewhat mocking monologue of his own.

As one of the men responsible for the organization of the event, Hunter was already here and had been for sometime. He stood not far from Edrington; Fernao was some way off, holding the reins of Firebird and his own horse. Firebird who did not have an opportunity to exercise today, was once in a while nudging the boy with her head.

Hunter noticed a KGL officer, who seemed like he wanted to approach Edrington but then thought better of it, as the Staff officers began to arrive. He also spotted Colonel Prestwich, with whom he had a brief word after the book inspecting meeting with Wellesley.

Vickery was surprised by the numbers of men - and officers - who had turned out to watch the events of this afternoon unfold. He had the utmost confidence that his men would give a good account of themselves as the afternoon went on.

He turned away from briefing his sergeants to find that not only were there officers and men from the other regiments of the Division, but that it appeared half the Staff had come along to watch. Well, he hoped they would be pleased by what they witnessed this afternoon.

Edrington saw Hunter arriving in advance of the staff and went over to him. "I did not quite expect this much interest," he said. "It is more like a fair than a serious demonstration."

Hunter saluted to Edrignton.
'It does have that feel about it, sir, but, perhaps, it is what the men need: a little diversion'. Hunter glanced over briefly at the Portugues engineer exclaiming rather loudly as he talked to Prestwich: it would seem that there would be plenty of diversion today.

"They had enough of a diversion last night," Edrington responded. "Even some of our riflemen look as if they are suffering from the effects of it. But the exercise will help clear their heads. Did you go to the official dinner?"

George decided not to contradict the Colonel for not only rather liked the man, he still was 'suffering' from effects of his own nightly diversion and was prepared to be agreeable.
'No, sir. I was not invited. May I ask if you went?'

"I was - uh, called away. An urgent summons to the Legion's mess." He smiled in memory. "I spent a pleasant evening in good company, instead of sitting with a group of people I could not converse with. You were lucky to avoid it. I doubt if you will be able to in future." Wellesley liked his staff to be not only competent but also sociable, able to mix with the upper levels of society. Hunter was - for all his strange ways - a presentable young man, who would be able to make himself popular.

A small frown creased George's face: he really did not enjoy dinners like that, especially since dinners he'd attended in the past were civil affairs, not military, and people tended to call him Sir George, which he rather disliked.
'Ah, perhaps, my luck will hold, sir'. He gave a small smile, hoping it did not sound too impertinent.

"Once we've left Coimbra - I doubt if there will be much society between here and Oporto. Though if there is, an invitation might mean a decent meal. But you will have to be prepared for it when the campaigning is over. Sir Arthur likes his boys to play their part in local society."

He looked thoughtfully at Captain Hunter. "A dislike of parties and formal dinners might make it difficult, as aide de camp. Why did you choose to become staff - from what I've seen, you'd prefer something more active."

Something flashed in George's eyes at being called Sir Arthur's boy, but his voice was just as calm as moments before when he replied.
'I'm afraid, I did not choose to become an aide-de-camp, sir. I recieved a direct order from the Horse Guards. I must admit, I am still puzzled at this circumstance'.

"That is odd, to be sure. I gather that it wasn't at Sir Arthur's request either. Someone pulling strings on your behalf. Improving your chances of advancement..." Edrington felt the Captain's genuine confusion and smiled.

"I'm sure you'll get used to it. It is not to everyone's taste, and I prefer this side. But it will be good experience for when you return to your regiment."

George was about to say that he doubted he would be returning to his regiment, but caught himself just in time.
'Yes, a variety of experiences is always useful, I find, sir,' he said in the end.