Chapter Five, The First Last Stand

In hindsight, I can tell you with the utmost confidence that it was that day, in those short few minutes, when the first domino of my story toppled.  The trail it made as one thing followed another no-one could have guessed- I scarcely believe it myself, looking back as I am now, through the filter of experience.  Those carefully chosen, well-performed words paved the way for me, for the rest of my career, and indeed, in innumerable other aspects of my eventful life.

I was in convalescence in that hospital wing for many weeks after that day, but never a day did I spend alone, from that moment on.  More often than not my companion was Harvey, who I would swear spent more time at my side than he did in performing his duties.  I was tempted to tell him as much, but seeing as our superiors overlooked his dereliction of duty in this particular instance quite willingly, I saw no harm in keeping my thoughts to myself.  After all, I was more than grateful for his cheering company, and the last thing I wanted was to drive him away.  Sometimes, one or two of the chaps from the 4^th Lights would look in on me on their way to wherever, and it was heartening to see how they thought of me, through that harsh winter in “54.

One particular day, I remember, I had been languishing unattended and feeling rather sorry for myself when the sound of tramping boots signalled the approach of company.  Lord Raglan burst into my room, chest puffed out and head almost brushing the low ceiling.  “Montgomery, m’boy!”  I cringed at the condescension in the tone of my senior, but outwardly smiled, in as warm a welcome as I could muster, determined not to show any sign of weakness.

For, you see, I assumed that Lord Raglan had come to dismiss me; to return me to England.  While this would, of course, be the most reasonable course of action in terms of my ill health, my stubborn sense of pride prevented me from thinking any ounce of sense, and made me quite obstinate.

“Why, Lord Raglan!  What an unanticipated honour this is, my lord.  And, might I add, all the more splendid for such spontaneity?”  It was blatant and inexcusable toadying, plain and simple, and my only defence is that it was the act of a desperate man.

My visitor nodded, the smugness he exuded almost obscene. 

MORE TO COME