"Patriotism has nothing to do with the fact that the War Office, in its enthusiasm, didn't do nearly enough planning before it launched thirty thousand men to the Crimea. "How unpatriotic," Prudence exclaimed, a teasing light in her eyes. However, one wonders if we aren't severely underestimating the Russians' abilities, and overestimating our own." "My parents say the war will be over by Christmas." Thank heavens Captain Phelan will return to Hampshire soon." "I suppose wars are always inconveniently timed. And that was the case with Captain Phelan, until he was alerted for foreign service." Prudence shrugged.
They're very fashionable men-about-town, and if they agree to go on half pay, they have hardly any duties and they don't have to spend any time at all with the regiment. most commissioned soldiers never go to war. "Pru, are you certain that you want to be an officer's wife?" "Well, I have no interest in foreign countries, and I've never pretended to."Ī reluctant grin spread across Beatrix's face. I'm not sure there are many pleasant things to write about in war time." Nothing but battles and bad news."Īlthough Christopher Phelan was the last man Beatrix would ever want to defend, she couldn't help pointing out, "He is away fighting in the Crimea, Pru. "I should be so fortunate! It's utterly gloomy.
"Captain Phelan may have written something personal." "But Pru," Beatrix protested as the small, neat pages were pushed into her hands. "I'll stop if you tell me about the dog." "Heavens, Beatrix, do not start another lecture on animals." Or the way an owl's feathering is mottled to help it blend with the bark of its tree. "Many animals have ways of camouflaging themselves to keep from being seen. But Christopher-that is, Captain Phelan-said it had something to do with. And when I asked why, Captain Phelan said it was to help the Rifles stay concealed, which makes no sense, as everyone knows that a British soldier is far too brave and proud to conceal himself during battle. "In fact, his new regiment has dreadful uniforms-very plain, dark green with black facings, and no gold braiding or lace at all. "It's not at all smart," came Prudence's glum reply. Besides, he chose to go to war, and I'm sure he's having a lovely time strutting about in his smart uniform." "He has the concern of every marriageable miss in Hampshire. "Captain Phelan has no need of my concern," Beatrix said pragmatically. "Really, Bea, you're displaying far more concern over a dog than you ever have for Captain Phelan."
Her friend Prudence, the reigning beauty of Hampshire County, looked up from the letter that had been sent by her suitor, Captain Christopher Phelan.Īlthough it wasn't proper for a gentleman to correspond with an unmarried girl, they had arranged to send letters back and forth with Phelan's sister-in-law as a go-between. "What about the dog?" Beatrix Hathaway asked. To be precise, it was the mention of the dog.
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