“You should be proud,” he said. “I was at Albuera, too. I saw the Fusiliers go into action.”
She lifted her chin. “I am proud. But he was my grandfather’s heir, and——Oh, well! What was your regiment?”
“3rd Dragoon Guards. I sold out after Toulouse.”
“And your name?”
“John Staple. I have told Ben to set it about that I’m a trooper—an officer’s batman. He says I talk flash, you see.”
She laughed. “Perfectly! But how do I address you?”
“In general, my friends call me Jack.”
“I cannot be expected to do so, however!”
“Well, if you call me Captain Staple you will undo me,” he pointed out. “I’m only a gatekeeper. Don’t be afraid I shall encroach! I won’t—Miss Nell!”
“You are certainly mad!” she said. “Pray, how do you come to be a gatekeeper?”