Read Online Flashman in the Peninsula by Robert Brightwell - Free Book Online Page B

battle with Soult. From what I had heard, Soult was a very capable commander and Wellesley was then not yet the proven military genius that he became. I knew better than anyone that his victories in India had an element of good fortune to them. A hardened commander like Soult, with his veteran soldiers, would not make the same mistakes. If Wellesley was beaten we would soon hear of it and would have a clear ride back down to Lisbon, or if necessary we could head further south to Seville, the independent Spanish capital.
    ‘Give Cuesta this letter,’ Wellesley continued. ‘It details my plans, and I don’t need to tell you to make sure it does not fall into enemy hands. Once you have had a chance to assess Cuesta’s strength and intentions then I would be obliged if you would ride back and let me know.’ That, I thought, could be the tricky bit. I did not want to ride slap into a routed British force and the pursuing French.
    ‘When do we leave?’ I asked
    ‘Downie is organising the cavalry escort, they leave from the square at noon.’ He looked up and saw me looking thoughtful about my mission and grinned. ‘Don’t worry Flashman, I know you would prefer to be testing your steel against Soult and his men. But this duty is vital for the next phase of the campaign, taking on Victor and his army. I will make sure you are in the thick of the action when we meet him, have no fear.’ You can imagine how reassuring I found that statement, but I managed to sound suitably enthusiastic for form’s sake as I took my leave.
    I met the escort in the square just before noon. The troopers were led by a Sergeant Butterworth, but there was no sign of Downie.
    ‘He was ’ere earlier sir,’ said the dour sergeant. ‘Fussin’ around about supplies ’e was.’ Butterworth looked across at his men who, like the two of us, stood next to their mounts. Judging from the way a few of them were checking saddles and tack they looked experienced men. Butterworth followed my gaze and added, ‘Most of us were with the first expedition sir. Got taken off at Corunna, but we had to shoot the horses then and leave them behind. These mounts are a bit green and most didn’t eat much on the voyage so some of the girths have had to be tightened. Bit of exercise on solid ground and some grass will see them good again.’
    ‘I am sure you are right sergeant,’ I replied, testing the girth on my own horse, which seemed tight enough.
    ‘What ho, Flashman!’ A voice called out from nearby, and there walking towards me was Downie, and alongside him a pensive Campbell. This could be awkward, I thought. If there was any justice Campbell should be damn grateful for the favour I did him, but you could never tell with these puritanical types. He could now be wracked with remorse and blaming me for leading him astray. My thoughts were interrupted by Downie calling, ‘Are you ready to go? I have got you some eggs.’
    ‘Eggs?’ I asked, puzzled.
    ‘Yes, hard-boiled eggs, excellent on the campaign if supplies get low. Lots of energy and they keep well, ready wrapped to keep them clean so to speak,’ he laughed.
    ‘Thank you.’ I accepted the small cloth sack he offered that looked and felt like an overstuffed scrotum, and from the shape contained half a dozen eggs.
    ‘Don’t eat them in the first few days remember,’ advised Downie. ‘Save them until rations are low.’ He turned to Butterworth, ‘Now Sergeant, did you sort out some eggs for the men as I asked?’
    ‘Yes sir,’ replied the sergeant with a stony blank look on his face. ‘The men have all the eggs they need.’ I looked over the sergeant’s shoulder and several of his troopers were now smirking at this response. It was evident that these experienced troopers felt that they needed the advice of the boyishly enthusiastic Downie like a drowning man needs a drink. I turned back to Campbell who, to my relief, grinned at me.
    ‘You knew what those girls were from the outset,