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in his element when mounted and adored nothing more than leading his cavalry into battle. Daniel had seen and admired his fearlessness in action. But he also admired Cadogan’s ability to carry a whole range of responsibilities so lightly. Here was the man who drew up the order of battle for the Confederate army, taking account of the differing priorities of the various nations and making sure that commanders between whom there was friction were kept well apart. Soldier, diplomat, spymaster, gambler and quartermaster, Cadogan radiated life. Daniel found it a pleasure to be in his company.
    ‘What you’ve told me accords with my own instincts,’ said Cadogan. ‘I sensed that Burgundy was a complete novice. Why march towards Brussels when he could test our horse near Huy? That’s the direction he should be taking.’
    ‘It’s exactly what the duc de Vendôme suggested,’ said Daniel, ‘but he was overruled. His plan was to lay siege to Huy.’
    ‘That’s because he’s an experienced soldier. It must be galling for him to have to listen to a posturing ninny like Burgundy. I’ll wager that the pair of them have some rare old arguments.’
    ‘Vendôme is known for his blunt speech.’
    Cadogan chuckled. ‘That’s not all he’s known for! If rumours are correct, he has a taste for pretty young officers.’
    ‘Then Major Crevel is safe from his attentions,’ said Daniel with a grin. ‘Even his own mother would never describe him as pretty. After a night in a ditch, he must have looked a sorry sight.’
     
    The duc de Vendôme read the report with gathering fury. When he’d finished, he tossed it on the ground in disgust then rounded on Lieutenant Valeran who was alone with him in the tent.
    ‘Can this be true?’ he demanded.
    ‘I fear that it is, Your Grace.’
    ‘Were there witnesses to this disgrace?’
    ‘Yes,’ replied Valeran. ‘Major Crevel was hauled out of a ditch by a patrol. At first, they refused to believe he was what he claimed to be. They took him for some kind of madman.’
    ‘I can well understand that. Send for him, Lieutenant.’
    ‘I took the liberty of doing so. The major will be here directly.’
    ‘Crevel may arrive as a major but he certainly won’t leave as one,’ said Vendôme, vengefully. ‘I don’t rewardincompetence.’ He looked meaningfully at his companion. ‘Those who displease me get short shrift. Only those who impress me can look for promotion.’
    ‘Thank you, Your Grace,’ said Valeran, obsequiously.
    Hearing the sound of footsteps outside, they turned towards the tent flap. A guard entered, ushered Major Crevel in, then withdrew. Vendôme glowered at the newcomer. Valeran made as if to leave but the general signalled that he was to remain. Crevel, meanwhile, was standing to attention as he braced himself for the onslaught. Now restored to a uniform, he was uneasy and shamefaced.
    ‘Major Crevel,’ began Vendôme.
    ‘Yes, Your Grace?’ answered the other.
    ‘Is it your habit to sleep unclothed in a muddy ditch?’
    ‘No, no, it’s most uncharacteristic of me but I had no choice. I was set on by three villains. When they’d beaten me black and blue, they stole my uniform and left me unconscious.’
    ‘I see no bruising on your face.’
    ‘They punched and kicked my body,’ claimed Crevel, ‘then left me to die of my injuries. As you see,’ he continued, straightening, ‘I returned to duty at the earliest possible opportunity.’
    ‘Yes,’ said Vendôme, ‘but only after the patrol had rescued you. According to the report, you behaved like a raving lunatic.’
    ‘I deny that, Your Grace. I may have been a littleoutspoken but I was entitled to be in the circumstances. The truth is that I was still distracted after my beating.’
    ‘Is that the beating administered by those three rogues?’
    ‘Yes, it was.’
    ‘Then where did they suddenly spring from?’
    ‘They were lying in wait in the privy,’ said Crevel, trying to brazen it out.