Disclaimer: These are works of fan-fiction created for entertainment. It is not the intention of the author to infringe on anyone's copyright. No rights infringement intended. Warning: General Audience

The Sharpe Fan Fictions of Paul K.

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Bernard Cornwell’s

SHARPE’S banquet

Richard Sharpe and the
Waterloo Banquet


Novel by Paul Kaster

1822 June 14

Chapter 4
London




Sharpe had returned to the Nerot. After he examined his tea purchases, he rested. He wasn’t sure what to expect at the chop house, so he dressed in the best clothes that he brought that were not his uniform.

“Too nice to sit here. Walk to the Golden Lion, Get a black beer.”

At the Golden Lion, he orders a beer then sits to watch people come and go.

By six o clock, many people came for their evening meals. Sharpe decided that he should return to the Nerot.

He was used to standing, so he waited outside for Lady Anne to arrive.

At five minutes before seven, a coach stopped. The driver signaled to his passenger that they had arrived. A woman emerged from behind a curtain that hid the passengers.

“It is so good to see you again, Richard.” Lady Anne Camoynes´s green eyes sparkled as she called to him.

Sharpe smiled as he recognized Lady Anne. He has not seen her for seven years. She remained as attractive as the first time that he had seen her nine years ago.

“It is good to see you again, Ma´am.”

“At least once before I told you not to call me ´Ma´am´. It still makes me feel ancient.” Anne smiled at him.

“And, Your Ladyship is clearly not ancient.” Sharpe grins warmly at her.

“Please get in, Richard. Sir Alan waits for us.”

Inside the coach, Anne pats the seat next to her to signal Sharpe to sit beside her. She has remained tall and slim. He dark red hair is streaked at the sides with wisps of grey, yet the grey highlights her thin, attractive face more than show her age. And as the first time that he had seen her, her green eyes, as green as his rifleman´s jacket, sparkle like emeralds. He notices that she is wearing a necklace of pearls and diamonds and fine filigree gold. Sharpe gave her the necklace when he had left her to return to Spain.

Anne sees that he looks at her and has noticed the necklace. “I remain grateful for your gift. I wear it often and particularly to events at court.”

“The necklace had been worn by Spanish royalty. Harper and I ´liberated´ it. Better you have it than Boney´s family.”

Before they can say more, the coachmen wraps on the roof that they have arrived.

Sharpe exits first then offers his hand for her to step out.

Inside Dolly´s Chop House, they are taken to their table. As they approach, Sir Alan stands to greet them.

Anne greets him with a kiss on the cheek.

“Alan, may I introduce you to Richard Sharpe, formerly lieutenant colonel of the South Essex regiment and now gentleman farmer in France.“

“Colonel Sharpe, it is my great pleasure to meet you! Anne has told me so much about you.” Sir Alan takes Sharpe's hand to shake.

“Please take a seat.”

“I am pleased to meet you too, Sir Alan.”

Sharpe signals for Anne to sit, then he sits. Sir Alan is the last to sit and signals to the waiter.

“I´ve taken the liberty to order some oysters and a Portuguese vino verde to start. I hope that you approve.”

“Ate both in Portugal.”

Two plates with a dozen oysters on each arrives and a pitcher of white wine. The waiter pours a glass of wine for each starting with Anne.

Before they drink, Sir Alan raises his glass.

“To Richard Sharpe, Anne´s friend and hopefully mine.”

Sharpe raises his glass, too. “To old and new friends.” He sips his wine, then adds, “Although Lady Anne continues to remind me that she is NOT old.” He smiles towards Anne.

“And, I am NOT old.” she smiles as she replies.

They drink their toasts before continuing.

Lewrie likes oysters. He quickly takes one, slurps it down, sips his wine, then takes another oyster.

Anne takes an oyster, slurps it then watches Lewrie before turning to Sharpe.

Sharpe has watched the others eat.

Lewrie asks, “Oysters to your liking Richard?”

Sharpe takes an oyster, eats it, then replies. “Oysters are fine. Haven’t eaten any since Portugal. And, when I was a boy, food for the poor. Surprised to see them here.”

“Ah, yes. I learned to eat them when a boy too. In the Navy, we often ate them. When I was beached, my shipmates who came ashore with me found them plentiful and inexpensive at Billingsgate Fish Market. Oysters, mussels and shrimps are commonly on our table.” He takes another oyster as he finishes.

Anne adds, “Alan does enjoy shellfish to start his meals.”

“We haven’t seen each other for seven years, Richard. How is your family?”

“Son is seven. Daughter is four.”

Anne smiles, “I missed our conversations, Richard. You are so efficient with your words. No insult intended.” She continues to smile.

“And, of Lucille? Your farm?”

“Lucille is well. She is busy with the children and the farm. The farm has grown each. We have added to fruit orchards. The apples and grapes go to make calvados and wine. We grow our own wheat and wheat to feed the animals. The children oversee the chickens, geese, piglets, lambs and calves.”

He pauses to eat another oyster.

“Ah, Richard. There. You do have a voice.”

Sharpe blushes. He forgot how Anne could embarrass him while complimenting him at the same time.

“Seems I do. Use it to speak French more at home.”

“Ah, yes, how are your French neighbors? Still the enemy?”

“Five Christmases ago, town people halped me to save Lucille and the children from renegade French soldiers who thought that I had Duco’s money. Town people are now part of our farm family.”

“Farm family?”

“Many work for us. Others sell to or buy from us. We have grown. They have grown.”

“Our priest still calls me ‘The Englishman’ and the former Imperial Guard sergeant who oversees much of the farm calls me ‘Monsieur Goddam’.”

Lewrie has been listening. “So, a complimentary insult, eh?”

“Sergeant Malan and I share the bond of being soldiers and one-time sergeants. We have learned to like each other.”

“Oh Richard. How ironic. On the last field of battle at Waterloo, you fought against each other. Now, you are family and friends.”

“Yes, we compared that last charge at Waterloo. The South Essex were one of the battalions that met his Guards and caused them to retreat. We most likely saw each other.”

“No such legacy for us in the Navy. Good for you, Richard.” Lewrie adds.

“I am happy for you, Richard. You have earned to be happy.”

The oysters are finished. Lewrie signals for the soup to be delivered.

Bowls and a tureen are placed on the table. “Anne knows that I like pea soup. A regular soup on a ship. Also learned to like a spicy seafood soup from the Americas. Like spice?”

“Ate spice in India.”

“Good, good. Say so if it is too much.”

The waiter ladles soup into each bowl. Sharpe notices that the soup is brown with what looks like shrimp, sausage and vegetables.

Lewrie takes a hearty spoonful, eats it and looks to Sharpe.

“Ah, gumbo. Hearty soup. Sometime add rice to it.”

Sharpe tastes his. “It is good.” He takes another spoon and then another.

“May have to ask how this is made. Think it would be a good soup to have at home.”

Sharpe asks Anne, ‘How is your son?”

“Thomas applied to Paris University. He is accepted for the next term and will study medicine.”

Sharpe knows that Thomas’ father, the Baron Camoynes, Anne’s deceased husband had been in politics and land. He gambled his fortune away. Anne was able to recover moneys for the family through what she and Sharpe had done to undo Lord Fenner’s crimping scheme.

“Medicine? Paris?”

“Yes”

Lewrie joins, “I am eager to revisit Paris. Haven’t been there since ‘05. Met Boney. Had to run from him. Tried to kill me. Did kill my wife.”

“Killed her?”

“We were escaping into a boat. Shots came. My wife was hit.”

“Sorry. I lost first wife at Badajoz.”

They sit quietly for a few moments.

“So, Paris, Lady Anne?”

“Yes.”

“Paris is not far from Sel Eglise. I invite you to visit us when you come to France. Your son is welcome to visit too.”

“Very kind, Richard.

Lewrie asks, “Anne told me that you fought at Vimeiro. I was there. Came ashore to observe. Came armed. Was on the ridge when attack came to Acland’s brigade. ”

“Quartermaster with 2nd battalion. Watched first attack from eastern ridge. Fought with 1st battalion during same attack.”





Lewrie mentions “Was with Light Company of 2nd Queens Royal. Shot some officers and a sergeant of the French coming up. Light company fired volleys and threw them back.”

“Heard from some 1st battalion that a Navy officer was up with the 2nd. Was out front of even the Light Companies. Were surprised that the Navy has rifles.”

“Told the Light bobs that I had a breech-loading Ferguson rifled musket. "Got it at Yorktown, when I was a pup."

“A Ferguson. Still have it?”

“Yes.”

“Still have my Baker.”

“Never fired a Baker.”

“Never fired a Ferguson.”

“Maybe someday we can trade.”

“I have Girandoni air rifle, too.

Sharpe raises his eyebrows in surprise. “Rifle that uses air? No gunpowder?”

“Only air. Bladder of air in the stock. Twenty-two balls in tube behind breech. Good to 100 yards.”

Sharpe thinks about both of these. “Breech loading with powder and air with multiple ready to use balls..”

“Yes.”

“Wonder why the Army didn’t get them for us.”

“Can’t hang a sword or bayonet on either. Expensive too. Takes a lot of time to pump air into the bladder. More than a thousand strokes of a pump to fill each bladder.”

“Like the Ferguson, not many made. Only a few of Ferguson’s survived the Colonies war. Austrian army gave up on the Girandoni about the same time.”

Lewrie ate a bite, then sipped some wine. “We should go shooting some day. What say you Anne?”

“Go shooting some day? You two should … some day.” she smiles.

Alan understands that Anne is ready to move to a new topic.

“Ah, saved.” Alan notes as the restaurant delivers the next course.

Sharpe notes that they delivered a plate of slices of cold pork. He waits until Anne and Lewrie have taken some before taking two slices. Although he does like pork, he knows that more food will be delivered.

“What interests have your children shown?” Anne asks.

“Patrick shows interest in the working of the farm. He has learned to ride. Jacques, who helps to manage the work, fills his head with stories of his service in the French army. Patrick pays too much attention.”

“So, you would not approve of him to follow in your footsteps?”

“I joined the army because I had to avoid prison. Patrick has more choices. And, for all sakes, it is good that we have no more war.”

“Here, here.” Lewrie says. “Although my sons miss the opportunities to capture prizes to line their pockets.”

“Well, Sewallis and Hugh still serve unlike so many who are on shore at half pay.” Anne says.

“Yes, they have survived for these seven years since the end of the war. Yet, as each year of peace goes by, the government elects to reduce the funds directed to the Navy and the Army. My boys fear that they will lose their commands.”

“But, they would have half their pay, wouldn’t they?”

“Yes, and as Post Captains, they would continue to climb toward admiral.”

“We see Hugh often. He commands three cutters who are charged to capture and deter smugglers.” Anne adds.

“Yes, aboard one of the cutters most of the time, but stops here when a cutter comes to reprovision.”

Sharpe listens to the two discuss Lewrie’s sons and the navy. He notes how Anne is involved with Lewrie. From the time that he met her, she appeared to be distant from each of the men she accompanied. Even with him, she kept a distance. With Lewrie she seems to have found someone to join more closely. He is happy for her.

The waiters arrive with plates of a fish, roasted potatoes and asparagus. Sharpe has eaten more than he would at home, but can’t refuse these. A waiter dishes a plate for Anne, then gives one to Sharpe. Lewrie gets the last plate.

“We assumed that you get your fill of land animals at home. Will the fish do, Richard?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Anne frowns at him for calling her “ma’am”.

Sharpe and Lewrie eatslarge chunks of a white fish, alternating with potatoes and asparagus.

Anne eats more slowly and with smaller portions on her fork. While the men eat, she asks. “Do I understand that you both fought with Wellington on the same field in Portugal?”

“My dear, it appears that we were both on the field at Vimeiro, fought the French but not together. And, we both met Wellington on the field that day. But, we did not meet each other.” Lewrie pauses, eats a bite, then resumes. “It would have been interesting had we met. As I understand, that Richard you went with Sir John Moore after, did not evacuate from Coruña, but made your way back to Portugal and then fought with Wellington on every field after that.”

“Yes, went to Lisbon after Vimeiro. Followed Moore’s army into Spain. After Lugo, our demi-battalion was isolated and attacked. I took survivors south. Rest of battalion went to Vigo.”

“Yes, our squadron took them off as well as the rest of the army from Coruña.”

“Didn’t cross paths with the Navy again until we reached France four years later.”

“Our squadron supported the army at times off the eastern and northern coast of Spain. Mostly hit, then run affairs.”

Anne listens. “Both of you survived continuous encounters with the French AND earned honors while doing. One may say that you are extraordinary.” She smiles.

Alan and Richard understand that Anne has complimented them.

Alan smiles and replies, “One might.”

Richard blushes but does not respond.

“Oh, Richard. Humble as ever. England knows that Alan and you are heroes. I just voice it for others. Perhaps you can wear the honor.”

“Not a hero, ma’am. Did what soldiers do. Heroes are men like Hagman, Harris and the others that did their duty and gave their lives.”

Sharpe hangs his head at the thought.

“I am sorry, Richard. I do not mean to offend. Yes, yes those others ARE heroes. But, so are you.”

“No offense taken.”

They eat quietly for a time.

“Ah, that was delicious.” Alan breaks the silence as he finishes the contents of his plate.

Before Anne or Richard can reply, they are interrupted by a visitor.

Thomas Dasher, one of Lewrie’s house staff enters their room. “Sir Alan, I apologize to interrupt.”

“Please, come in, Tom. What is it?”

“Mister Courtney arrived shortly after you left the house. He took Master Arthur with him and left this note for you.”

Lewrie takes the note from Dasher.

“Mine arse on a bandbox! The scoundrel, my son-in-law has kidnapped my grandson Arthur! He demands £1000 to be delivered to him at South Shoebury on Sunday!

Sharpe listens. Six Christmases ago, his own family had been held hostage. His children were threatened.

“How may I help?”

Alan replies, “I don’t know at this moment. Do appreciate your offer.”

Anne asks, “Why South Shoebury? What does Courtney have there?”

“South Shoebury is a smuggling center. Hugh tells me that his cutters roam the coast north and south of the Thames. An officer of the River Police, John Marlott, tells him that he connects opium smuggling from South Shoebury to Wapping here in London.”

“Wapping?” Richard asks.

“Yes, River Police have confiscated some chests of opium at the docks there.”

Sharpe nods. When he was boy in London, he worked in the dog pits and other illegal activities that had been run by Jem Hocking. When Richard returned from India, he had killed Hocking who had tried to sell Richard to a chimney sweep.

“Know Wapping from when I was a boy. No surprise that criminals are there. Don’t know anyone there. Do know some people who have connections.” He thinks of how Maggie Joyce could help them.

“Sunday is very little time to do anything.” Anne says.

“Yes, we must act quickly.”

“I can contact someone tonight to find out about Wapping.”

“Thank you, Richard. I will send word to Hugh and his contact Marlott. I know of another, Rider Sandman, of the Bow Street Runners who act as a police force within London.”

Anne signals to a waiter. “Shall we finish here? We have things to do. At home, shall I meet with Charlotte and Caroline while you contact the others?”

“Yes, Anne. You can console Charlotte and also maybe learn about what has driven her husband to kidnap his son.”

The waiter returns with the bill for Lewrie to sign.

“It is just after eight. Richard, can you meet at our house at eleven? I will assemble as many of the others to join us by then.”

“If I go now, I will return to your house by eleven.”

“Go, Richard, we will see you at Dover Street by eleven.” Anne nods.

“Thank you for the dinner. I enjoyed meeting you and the meal.”

Anne and Alan watch him go. “I find that with Richard dangerous situations often resolve themselves to the side that he favors. I am optimistic that we can resolve this with no harm to Arthur or any of your family.”

“We will see, Anne. Now we need to assemble our crew to return Arthur.” Alan says as he stands to hold Anne’s chair so that she may rise too.



Wapping



Alexander Courtney mostly carried and dragged his son from the Lewrie house to the hackney that he had hired. They rode the four miles from Dover Street to Wapping. At the docks, he met with the crew of one of the smuggler boats.

“Get on the boat.”

“Pappa, where are we going?”

“Just get on the boat.”

Although Arthur is his son, Alexander has not been a father to his children. Shortly after Caroline was born, he went with his regiment, 1st Life Guards, to Spain. He had returned from Spain for only a few weeks before he learned that Charlotte was pregnant again. When Napoleon returned to France he went to the Netherlands, fought at Waterloo where he was wounded. Arthur was born on that same day.

Every time he sees Arthur, he is reminded of his wound and that he is a cripple. In a few days, Arthur will celebrate his seventh birthday. And, the Duke of Wellington will hold a banquet to celebrate the battle.

“It is time for me to leave. The country paid Wellington and his generals large sums for what they did at Waterloo. The rest of us got nothing. We are forgotten and cast to the side.”

Alex returned to England, but his wound kept him from remaining with his regiment. A cornet in the regiment was willing to pay £3,500 for his captaincy. For more than five years he has lived off of Charlotte’s annual allowance from her father, while investing his funds in smuggling. He has lost almost all of his money when the Royal Navy has intercepted more and more of his shipments.

“It is almost like Charlotte’s brother Hugh knows that he is taking my money when his cutters seize shipments. I lose. He gains prize money.”

While the Royal Navy has cost him, a bad streak of luck playing cards has cost him more.

Now, he needs £600 to pay for a delivery of 8 chests of opium. When delivered to London, he will collect £800. He as asked Lewrie for £1000. He will pay for the opium and keep the balance for himself. After he collects in London he will take £600 and leave. He married Charlotte only for her money.

When he started with the smugglers, he had traded in gin from the Netherlands. On trips to and from Amsterdam, he met a woman. Her family has more money than Charlotte’s.

“It is time take my profits and go to Amsterdam. Yes, it is time to leave all of this. I can work with the smugglers from Amsterdam.”



Arthur watches the river ahead of the boat as they go. When the sun sets, he finds a place to sit. Before long, the motion of the boat and the darkness help him to go to sleep.

He doesn’t know how long he has been sleeping when he is shaken awake.

“Arthur, wake up. We arrived.”

“Pappa?”

“Come boy.”

His father picks him to put him on the dock.

“Take my hand.”

Arthur drags along behind his father. They walk for what seems like a long time to Arthur. It dark with almost no moon visible. A man walks in front of Pappa who carries a lantern so that they may see the way.

“We’re here.” The man says

Pappa takes him inside what looks like a barn.

“Here, go back to sleep. I’ll get you in the morning. Don’t leave until I come for you.”

Arthur is tired so that he does as he is told.



St. Giles Rookery



Sharpe left Dolly’s Chop House, turned onto Bow Street and walked quickly to St. Giles. He was glad that it was still light. The last time that he had come here, it was after sunset. The Rookery is dangerous in daylight and can be deadly in the dark. He hoped that Maggie Joyce was still at the place that he had met her last.

As he walked the narrow streets, eyes watched him. He was dressed finer than most people that came to the Rookery. The last time he had worn his Rifle uniform. People kept a distance because of the uniform. This time, he drew more interest.

One man approached him, “What brings you ‘ere? Not a place for yer likes. Ya a copper?”

“Here to see Maggie Joyce.”

“Maggie Joyce is it! Well, does Maggie want t’ see ya?”

“Old friends. Came to say hello. Ask her help.”

“Old friends?”

“Lived here. Long time ago.”

“Lived ‘ere. Christ no one that lived ‘ere does well enough to move out.”

Sharpe was getting tired of this. He approaches the man. “Can move out and up, if you kill someone, like I did. Killed many after here too. Soldier I was.”

The man steps back from Sharpe who stands taller than he. “Killer are ya? Sounds like someone who t’is friend of Maggie. Pass friend.” The man steps to the side and signals down the street to others who stand additional guard to any who would enter.

Sharpe makes his way to Bennet’s place, which had become Maggie’s place. Women sat on the steps around the entrance to the building. Children ran played in the streets and around the women. It was a warm evening so many of the women and children wore few clothes. More than one woman pulled her bodice down to offer Sharpe her ‘wares’. He walked past them, climbed the stairs, opened the door and entered. As the last time, the room was lit only by tallow candles and nearly filled with men, women and children with most drinking cheap gin.

He knew that he would have to part the sea of stinking, drunk humans to get to the rear of the room were Maggie ‘held court’. This time Maggie recognized him before he reached the table where she sat between her two guardmen.

“Dick Sharpe! Is that you?! “

“It is.”

“It’s yourself, Dick! Come to see me again. What have ya brung me this time?”

The last time, Sharpe had brought the jewels that Harper and he had taken from King Joseph’s wagons after the battle of Vitoria. Maggie hocked them for him at a good price for him and a good profit for her.

“Brought nothing this time. Came to ask your help?”

“My help? Come here. We may need to speak quietly. Gin?”

Sharpe moves to sit next to her. Maggie was a large woman. Her once red hair was now completely grey. But, she had not lost her Irish wit and street smarts. She has outlived eight husbands and still draws the odd man to her bed. She is the queen of this neighborhood. What Maggie says, goes. What Maggie wants to know, people tell her.

“Tell me what you need, Dick.” Maggie says as she pours gin into a glass.

“Wapping smugglers.”

“Wapping smuggling? Why?” Maggie must be careful. The Wapping gangs can be more dangerous than her own.

“Son-in-law of a friend, took his boy to ask ransom from my friend. Son-in-law is a gentleman and once-time army officer. Think that he is connected to the Wapping smugglers.”

“Don’t know much that c’n help you. What I do know t’is, Wapping smugglers are dangerous. Many are soldiers that got cut loose from the army. Found no legal work. Men that can kill for the army find homes with the smugglers.”

Sharpe nods. He had seen that in France too.

“Smugglers come and go from Wapping to Foulness and around to Romney towns. Trade in gin, port, brandy, and opium I hear.”

Sharpe chuckles and says softly, “May be some of your gin comes through Wapping?”

“Na Dick, you knows that I purchases only legal gin.” She laughs.

“How do they move the goods between?”

“I hears that they use small boats that can use sail or oars. Travel by night. Have hiding holes along the river and sea. Pay people to tell when the guard cutters are about. Many along the river help them. They pay with gold.”

Sharpe listens and thinks about what he has heard. “Smugglers have guns?”

“Guns, knives axes, swords. Their own army. No cannons though.”

Courtney would be likely to take the boy as quickly as possible to where they will hold him. No need to fight a battle at Wapping. But some of the Wapping people may be at South Shoebury. May have to fight there.

“Thank you Maggie. I brought no weapons or money with me today. I owe you.”

“Christ Dick, you made me rich with the jewels. You still have credit with me.”

“I still owe you for this, Maggie.”

“Go now, Dick. You have a boy to rescue. And, I’m still here for you any time your current woman dumps you.” She laughs.

“I’m happy and a father, Maggie. But, if things change.” He winks then goes.

The crowd in the room watch as he leaves.

Outside the sun is starting to set.

“Getting out just in time.” He thinks as he waves to the man that had stopped him when he entered the street.

“Thirty minute walk to Dover Street. Maybe forty” as he feels the effects of the gin on his legs.



Dover Street Lewrie Residence



“Welcome Richard” Anne greeted Sharpe. “Alan is meeting with the others in the front parlor.”

Anne leads him to the room.

“Ah, here is Richard. Richard this is Rider Sandman.”

Rider greets him. “Colonel Sharpe, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He shakes Sharpe’s hand.

“Call me Richard.”

“And this is John Marlott.”

The other man also greets Sharpe.

“Pleased to meet you, sir. Served with you on the Nivelle and at Waterloo. Belonged to Major Dunnet’s lot.”

“Rifleman Marlott?”

“Yes, sir. Still have my Baker.”

“Could be useful.”

“Welcome to use it. I carry pistols for police work.”

“Have the sword bayonet too?”

“Yes.”

“Tomorrow being Saturday, I can get the money required fro the bank. Alex has asked for £600 bank note, £300 bank note and £100 guineas. After 9 before noon, I can discuss with the bankers.” Alan opens the discussion.

“Been some years, but I know something of the area around South Shoebury. If I leave at first light I can ride to town nearby. Will explore the area that they may be holding the boy.” Sharpe offers.

“I can arrange horses. Will go with you.” Sandman says.

“I’ll go to.” Marlott adds.



“Two riflemen and a light bob. Just like back in the army, eh?” Sharpe chuckles. “Although this will be in our own country.

“Southend-on-Sea is the village just west of South Shoebury. We should be able to reach there well before dark. Have been through there chasing smugglers.” Marlott offers.

“Where are you staying, Colonel?” Marlott asks.

“The Nerot.”

“I’ll bring the horses. John, you bring weapons. We meet at 6 at the Nerot.” Sandman says.

Sharpe offers, “Meet me at the Golden Lion at half past 6. I’ll get us breakfast to take. We can stop for other food along the way.”

“The Golden Lion at half past 6.”

Lewrie nods. “I can’t arrange for the money and get there Saturday, nor do I want to. Better that you get there first. I can come Sunday with Deavers. Tomorrow will rent a steamboat to take us to and back. I’m told the boat can make the trip in three hours. I can send word to Wapping. Someone there can let Courtney know to meet us at noon on Sunday.”

“We have Saturday evening to explore, develop a plan and be ready for you to arrive. How do we let you know what we found?” Sharpe asks.

“I’m sure that the smugglers will be watching me from tomorrow until I arrive with the money. There will be no way for us to meet. I will have to follow your lead when I arrive.”

Sharpe frowns. “Will you be armed?”

“Yes, Deavers and me both. I don’t trust Courtney or his gang. I’m sure that he will disarm us, or attempt to. I have some tricks that he may not have seen before.”

“What else do we need to do?” Alan asks.

“Sleep. Tomorrow we have much to do.” Sharpe says.

The others nod.

Before they go, Lewrie says, “Thank you all. I have confidence in you as much as any crew that I have ever served with. Here’s to our success.” He claps each on the back as they leave the room.

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Fiction Index | Sharpe Tales Home | Sharpe's Banquet Index | Chapter 4

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