by Griff Hosker
I shook my head. I would not lie even to save my life and besides I did not trust his word. “No. I cannot go back.”
“You have served the English since you left me?”
“Mostly.”
“Why?”
“My regiment was sacrificed in the desert and I was abandoned to my fate. When I was falsely accused of murder no-one believed me. What else could I do?”
He was silent for a while. He picked up a piece of ivy from the side of the tree and began to twist it between his fingers. “I should have known that you were innocent of the charges brought against you. Always I worked for the glory of France.”
At that point I almost went back on my word and shot him for we both knew that was a lie. He had done what he had done for the glory of Bonaparte. Instead I said nothing.
He discarded the ivy, much as he had discarded me when I was of no further use to him. He looked at me. “What to do with you? Perhaps I should have you shot.”
I nodded, “Most of my comrades are dead. It might be good to see them all again.”
“You are not afraid to die?”
“I served you, general, as did my comrades we lived life on the edge. But at least we had each other and the brotherhood of the regiment. You must remember that. We all knew that death was around the corner. We lived hard, fought hard and died hard.”
“Aye, I have lost many good friends. Bessières is dead you know.”
“I know; I heard. I am sad for I liked him.”
“And I miss him more than you can know.” He laughed, “You know he left huge debts and mistresses when he died. I had to clear them for my old friend. He knew how to live; as you do.“
He stood. "I will consider what to do about you." He waved over the Major. "Major Armand put our two guests somewhere safe. I would not have them harmed; not yet at least." The threat was obvious. "I will see you later Robbie."
As we were marched to the room the Major suddenly pulled me around, "Now I know who you are! You are the man who murdered my cousin, Colonel Hougon!"
I sighed. How many times would I have to repeat the truth. I killed him in a duel."
"Then you used a trick which is the same as murder for he was the finest swords man in our family. I shall take great delight in ordering your death!"
I smiled, which I knew would enrage him further, "You will have to wait until the Emperor gives the order and he likes me!" The door rattled on its hinges as it was slammed shut.
The two of us were confined in a windowless antechamber in the old house they were using as headquarters. It must have been a pantry at some time. Alan said nothing as the door was closed. I began speaking in Italian. They would be listening for English.
"Well, Alan, it looks as though the jig is up."
"Don't worry sir, you will think of something. You always do."
"This time, however, we are on the wrong side of the border and surrounded by the whole of the French Army. This will be not be easy."
I examined the room for a means of escape. There was a candle and they had not taken our powder from us. perhaps we could start a fire. I laughed at my own stupidity. We would be dead before we could escape. I had learned over the years that when there was nothing to do then rest and save your energy for when you could do something. I have no idea how long we were there but the door was flung open and the angry Major stood there. He spat out, in French, "Come! And do not try to deceive me, spy, I know you now. You speak English!"
I smiled, "And better German than your Poles too!"
His fingers clenched around his sword. We were taken to a large room. Sharp was detained by a guard and I was propelled unceremoniously into the room which was filled with senior officers.
He wagged a finger at the major. "It seems you have upset my men Robbie. They wish me to have you shot as a spy."
He reached up to put his arm around my back. I noticed that he was speaking Italian. “Listen to me. I have no desire to either kill you or slaughter your comrades and, believe me, I could slaughter them. All that I require is confirmation that I can rule France and keep my borders safe. That is not much to ask is it? I have no territorial ambitions at all. France will suffice.”
It was a lie. The smile was that of a Nile crocodile before he eats you. I shook my head. “I am afraid that the Prussians would not like that.”
He spied hope in my words. “But perhaps the English might?”
“The Duke of Wellington will do his duty. The Czar himself sees him as the man to lead the allied armies to success.”
He nodded and considered my words. “We have never met in battle.” We were at the window which looked north. His officers were on the other side of the room. "You know I have always admired the English. They are tenacious. They are like bulldogs. They never let go." That was a lie. He hated the English for they were riddled with royalty and aristocrats. It was why he had named himself Emperor rather than King. It seemed a greater title. "We are both undefeated in battle, perhaps it should stay that way."
That was not true. I knew that Bonaparte had suffered defeats. Not many but a few. I said nothing.
He looked north and I knew that he was plotting. He must have made his mind up before I entered the room. He was using me and playing games with the Duke of Wellington at the same time.
“Go back to your Duke and tell him that I am here to protect my borders. If he attacks me then I will defeat him. I have over a hundred thousand men gathered within a few miles of the border. However if he stays in Brussels then he and his army will live.” He chuckled. “They can live off the Dutch for a while eh, Robbie?” I smiled dutifully. “It has been good to see you. When this is over and we are at peace,” he must have detected the cynicism in my face for he added, “Oh peace will come. Soon they will all fight amongst themselves and France will be safe. When that day comes then return to Paris and we will reminisce about old friends eh?”
He led me outside and gestured that Sharp should accompany me. He said, loudly. “They may return north.” There was surprise on the faces of his men. “Return them their weapons. They may need them." He smiled but there was no warmth in the smile. "But if you see either of them again after this day then shoot them on sight.” I saw from his pinched face that he meant it.
Once mounted and with my weapons returned I gave a half bow from my horse, “Thank you Emperor Bonaparte. Your old spy says farewell.”
We rode north not daring to look back. I did not trust Bonaparte and I expected a lance in my back at any time. The angry Major would seek revenge. That much I knew.
“I thought we were a goner then sir.”
“Me too Alan.”
“What did he want?”
“Oh he was trying to use me to deceive Wellington. He told me he was defending his land with a hundred thousand men. He said he would only fight if attacked.”
“So there will be no battle sir.”
“Oh there will be a battle and within the next month or so. He is trying to use me to tell a lie to the Duke. I believe he has well in excess of a hundred thousand men.”
“How do you know that sir?”
“Because he was happy to give me that number. He will attack with a far greater army, believe me Alan. And I know that he will now attack quickly. He hopes his lie will allay Wellington's fears and make him complacent. We must get back to Brussels.”
Chapter 6
The Duke met with me and Colonel Selkirk alone. “He let you go?” Did I detect a hint of suspicion in the Duke's voice? Did he think I was dealing with Bonaparte behind his back?
“Yes sir. I think he wanted me to tell the lie to you. He wants you lulled into a sense of false security before he attacks.”
"I do not think he can have raised an army of a hundred thousand yet. We believe that it will be the middle of July at the earliest before he attacks. In that I believe that you are wrong.”
Colonel Selkirk said, “I think he is correct,, sir. Robbie reads situations well.”
/> The Duke stared at me. He knew that I had served France and that I knew Bonaparte but I did not think he knew the whole story. “And what did you tell him, Matthews?”
I ignored the implication. “Nothing directly but I did mention that the Prussians would not sue for peace.”
He smiled, “And he may have the impression that we might. You are right Colonel. Major Matthews is clever. Was there anything else?"
"When he took me into his headquarters I caught a glimpse of a map on the wall. I could not see numbers but he looked to have two armies. There were two blue arrows pinned to it. One appeared to be heading north west and one north east."
Wellington smacked one hand against the other. "He plans to defeat us piecemeal. He did it to the Austrians and the Russians. He keeps a small army occupying one force while he knocks out the other. By using the Charleroi road he maintains his lines of communication. Clever. You have done well, Major Matthews." He stared at his map before him. "Very well then have our outposts keep a close watch on the border and we will move the army towards Mont St. John. We will concentrate between Nivelles and Sombreffe. Bonaparte is not the only one who can keep his lines of communication open and his armies close together. I will inform Baron Muffling.”
I rested Pierre and, the next day, took the Chasseur’s horse I had captured. He was a more spirited animal than Pierre and I had named him Wolf as it seemed to suit his wilder nature. When I arrived at the Rue Royale with Sharp I discovered a troop of the Scots Greys waiting patiently outside. Some official in London had renamed them the Royal North British Dragoons, a title assiduously avoided by all. It was all because of the Act of Union. Everyone called them the Scots Greys still. They were big men on big grey horses. There was a captain commanding them. He saluted and said, “Morning sir.”
I returned his salute but before I could speak the Earl of Uxbridge came out. He had a grin on his face. “Good to see you again Major Matthews. I didn't have an opportunity to speak the other day. I see you have been promoted. Damned good. You probably deserve it.”
“Good day, your lordship. I haven’t seen you since the retreat to Corunna.”
He looked a little shame faced as he said, “Yes, well, the Duke and I had a slight problem a difference of opinion you might say. All sorted now. Best of friends once more!”
It was then that I remembered; one of the two greatest cavalry commanders of the war had had the effrontery to run off with Sir Arthur’s sister in law. I guessed that bridges had been built. However I doubted that they were the best of friends. Sir Arthur was not that kind of man. He did not forgive and forget.
“I want you to show me the battlefield. The Duke says you went over it the other day. And we can chat. I have lost touch somewhat. I am to lead the cavalry. He has a very high opinion of you” He turned to the door and spoke to someone beyond it, “Come along, David. You are keeping us waiting.” He shrugged, “My aide, and nephew, Ensign Andrew York!” He rolled his eyes heavenward. I knew this was a common problem amongst senior officers. Soldiers whose regiments or battalions were still in England sought to send young officers as aides. I knew that the Duke himself had three. They gained experience which might aid their careers. Slender Billy had been one such aide.
A harassed young man hurtled out of the door adjusting his jacket as he did so. “Sorry, Unc… sir!”
Shaking his head his lordship said, “Ready Captain Macgregor?”
“Aye sir.”
I rode at the head of the column with the Earl of Uxbridge and Sharp tucked in behind us next to the harassed lieutenant. We were soon on the country lane leading to the ridge which was hard by Waterloo and the road to Charleroi. “The Duke says he has picked out his battlefield already before the blighters have even got here.”
I laughed. “Yes sir. It can take some getting used to but I served with him for five years in Spain, Portugal and France. I know how he works. It is not the style of Sir John Moore but it is effective and it saves soldiers' lives. He is not profligate with his men.”
“You were a damned fine cavalryman. I am surprised you aren’t a brigadier by now. The good ones like Marchant died young. You would have made a good commander.”
“I just seemed to be chosen by his lordship for lots of errands and my regiment was often in England.”
“They are in America now I believe.”
“Yes sir.”
“Well if this goes on long enough they may be in time to join us.”
"I think sir, that we will be in action sooner rather than later."
"Very cryptic but then again you always were the chap who rode behind the enemy lines."
We had reached the ridge and we halted beneath a huge elm tree. It afforded some shade. I pointed across the valley.“I fear, your lordship that this may be over in less than a month. Bonaparte is less than thirty miles in that direction and he is not a patient man. You and I know that his horsemen could be here within a couple of hours at the most. I believe he has almost ten thousand horsemen at his disposal. The French light infantry are the fastest in the world. You have seen how few troops we have at the moment. If I were Bonaparte I would be marching up the road now.”
The Earl scanned the field before him. “This is where the Duke intends to stand?”
“Yes sir. The guns will be placed here on the forward slope and the infantry in the shelter of the ridge.” I pointed to the right. “The Chateau there can be used as a strong point and that farm by the road would be perfect for light infantry. Any enemy attacking up the slope would either have to take them both or risk being enfiladed from their walls."
“Captain Macgregor.”
The dragoon rode next to us. “Sir!”
“What do you make of the field?”
“It depends on that field of rye. If we have to charge through it then it might be tricky.”
The Earl laughed, “Typical dragoon! No man! It would be the French attacking up here. How do you think they would do?”
“Ah, sorry sir. Well in that case I reckon the guns would thin them out and the slope would tire them too. " he pointed to the sunken lane which was hidden from the valley floor. "And that would catch them out. They would be disordered when they reached the top. If we were waiting, aye, then we could give them the sharp end of our swords!”
The Earl looked at me. “We have two fine brigades of heavy cavalry. For once we can match the French with their heavy cavalry. I agree with the captain here. This is perfect country for horses.” He took out his telescope and spied the inn on the other side of the valley.
"With respect sir we have two brigades of heavy cavalry I believe that the French have at least one Corps of heavy cavalry and two of light horse."
"Hmn, of course they are only French; but I take your point." He peered through his telescope. "Come along. That appears to be a tavern. We shall have a look at the land from that side.” He grinned at me, “And have a snifter of something, eh Major?”
When we reached La Belle Alliance we all dismounted and the troopers watered their horses. After we had examined the ridge the Earl said, “Fancy a drink, Major?”
“No thank you, sir. A little early for me.”
“Fine. Come along David; I hope you have brought some money!”
I stood with the captain. “You saluted me when I arrived, Captain Macgregor, yet I was not in uniform. Why?”
“We had been told to expect one of the Duke’s Exploring Officers; a major and, well you and the other gentleman looked to be soldiers.” He pointed to our pistols. I have never seen four pistols on a horseman before.”
“They come in handy. I thought you chaps had them too.”
He laughed, “We only need one in the troop and that is to put the horses out of their misery. We just need the sabre. Isn’t that right Sergeant Ewart?”
A huge sergeant laughed, “Aye sir. A big man on a big horse with a bloody big sabre is all we need. sir.”
The captain shook his head, “You will have to excuse Se
rgeant Ewart his language but he is a damned good soldier.”
“I am not offended. Lieutenant Sharp and myself have heard and used worse.” I noticed that the big greys were much bigger than the Chasseur’s horse I was riding. At the charge they would be an imposing sight.
“My mother was a Macgregor you know, captain.”
“Really? Which part of Scotland?”
“I am not sure. She and her family came to France after the forty five.”
“Jacobites eh? What was her name?”
“Marie.”
“Seems I heard of a branch of the clan who left for France and didna return. That makes us cousins, Major.” He held out his hand. "Welcome to the Clan Macgregor."
I shook it. I did not mention taking the seal of the clan back to the miserable old chief who lived alone and had shunned me. “Then I thank you Captain. You may not know that you have relatives in Sicily.”
“That is fantastic, sir. How?”
“One of the Macgregors became a knight of St. John on Malta. I met him and he told me of my connection to the family. I live in Sicily now.”
“What a small world eh, sir?”
The Earl and his nephew came out. From the flushed cheeks of the nephew I suspect he had had more than was good for him. As we mounted I said quietly to Alan, “Keep your eye on the lieutenant eh? Wouldn’t do to have him fall off his horse on his first day at work.”
Grinning, Sharp said, “Sir.”
I led the party down towards Frasnes. We passed the Nassau troops who looked to have made themselves comfortable. They had shelters rigged and a fire roasting rabbits. I hoped that they would not become too comfortable. They had to give us sufficient warning of the enemy.
Once we left them we approached the Charleroi to Mons road and we found ourselves amongst the Prussian 1st Corps. After chatting to the commander, in German of course, we turned to ride to Mons. I think it was reassuring for both forces to see the proximity of the others. Perhaps Bonaparte had got it wrong this time.