Gondabad, January 1859
The notes of the bugle faded as the 113th settled down for the night in their cantonments at Gondabad. Jack sat in a corner of the Officers" Mess, enjoying the noise and bustle of peace. Glancing out the window, Jack saw the tall bamboos casting shade over a patch of grass while half a dozen ayas looked after the regiment"s children. Charlotte Riley was in the midst of the ayas, laughing as she lifted a small boy in a sailor suit.
God is in his Heaven; Queen Victoria is on her throne and peace, thank the Lord, has returned to India. Jack looked up when the door opened, and Elliot limped in, favouring his recently-healed leg and with a romantic scar on his left temple.
"Congratulations, Captain Elliot." Jack held out his hand. "Not that you deserve promotion, of co
