Training Day, Evening, Rifles

"So, what are our orders for tomorrow?"

Jaeger fidgeted uneasyly in his place and added: "And would you know if we will parade near the 5th of foot?"

"Well, I'd like a chance to have a look at our men first, so if we have them on parade by a quarter past eight o'clock, that'll give us time to check things over without having them standing around for age before the General's finished. I think we'll be parading in the van, with Mister Sharpe's men next to us. I think the Line regiments will be parading in Regimental order, so that'll put the 5th nearest us, yes."

He wondered why it was so important that they be near the 5th, but said nothing, contenting himself with raising an eyebrow in enquiry.

Jaeger blushed to the tips of his ears: "Well, you see, well, you know, I, er, I had the honour to escort a young lady though the city today. Her father is a major of the 5th."

He looked at the captain. "Like a real young gentleman, sir. I know some officers consider me an uncouth colonial, but I do have manners."

Vickery smiled. "Of course you have manners, Jens. You've probably got better manners than most Englishmen. Certainly you have better manners than those officers who'd call you an uncouth colonial. I wish you luck with the young lady."

"Because of the young lady... I am a bit worried that there might be some bruising around my eye tomorrow, and I would rather not be seen by the father of the lady with a black eye on parade. Could I be officer of the day tomorrow?"

Jaeger was mortified that he had asked. But the thought had been preying on his mind.

Vickery raised an eyebrow. Well, it would certainly relieve Jaeger's mind to be away from the actual review and inspection. If Vickery knew anything about the younger officer, he was as nervous as a mouse being watched by a cat.

He smiled and nodded. "We can't have the young lady's father thiking you got involved in a brawl, can we, now? Of course you may be officer of the day tomorrow - although you may wish you hadn't asked."

And that would make things easier for Vickery as well; Jaeger was a trustworthy officer and Vickery knew things would be in safe hands if left with him.

Jaeger's shoulders sagged with relief. While being in charge of security and guards for the company was no fun, it was much better than being in danger of attracting General Wellsley's and a certain Major's attention.
He would rather face an entire regiment of chasseurs...

"Thank you. That does ease my mind. Will there be anything else?"

"Stop panicking?" Vickery gave the younger man a friendly shake of the head. "If you keep flapping like that, you'll take off one of these days, Jens. Just enjoy your day and try not to frighten the young lady too much with all your war stories." He was smiling as he spoke. "You never know, she might even enjoy your company."

"Do you really think so? That she might like to talk to me again?" Jaeger asked sheepishly. He could watch the review from this side of the river, and if he just happened to meet Miss Blacklock...

"Should I send her a note thanking her for the enjoyable time tonight? For her company? Or is that too forward? And should I ask her directly to meet her again? No, no that is surely too forward. Should I just mention that I will watch the review from the little plaza in front of the University and hope she goes there? Or say that I would enjoy watching the review with her and leave the choice of place to her?"

[OOC Flapping? Little Jaeger? Perish the thought...]
[ooc2 and this little rifleman is off to bed. good night all you insomniacs ]

Nervously Jaeger chewed on his lip. He was not sure if discussing notes to ladies with his commanding officer was a good idea, but Captain Vickery had suggested he enjoy the day with the lady... and he did not know who else to ask about these matters.

Why ask him about dealing with girls?

"I think, if you sent her a polite note saying how much you enjoyed meeting her today, that you are glad you could be of service and would like to further your acquaintance with her. I see no reason no to tell her that you will be watching from the plaza in front of the university. Just put nothing in the note you would not like her to tell her father, that is the main thing."

He smiled. "And don't worry so much. You would know if she did not like you, I can assure you of that much, Jens."

Relieved Jaeger blurted out: "Thank you, sir. Mr. Vickery. I'll write that note right away. Sometimes I feel like an ill-mannered oaf..." he ended with a shy smile.

[OOC duh]

Vickery raised an eyebrow. "Whatever gave you that impression? You're as polite an officer as I ever knew. And I daresay the young lady does not think you're an oaf, either."

He shook his head a little, still smiling. "All right, go and write your note. And enjoy yourself tomorrow."

With the way he had apologised every time he said something, and then not apologised where he should have, Jaeger was not as confident in the ladies opinion, but he kept that to himself.

"Thank you." He sketched a salute and left Vickery's office.


Outside, he beamed at Cotton, thanked him for cleaning his sabre and charged out of the room to return to his billet. To write a note to a lady.