a harsh clearing of his throat. “And Captain Nigel Bateson.”
He bowed and took his leave when the gentlemen reached the centre of the room. The general, a rather short and balding man, stood up from behind the desk and nodded for them to proceed the rest of the way to his desk.
“Gentlemen,” he said crisply, his tone all business. “A pleasure indeed to meet with the both of you. I know this arrangement was rather long in coming, but in the years following war, there is much desk-work and business of the official sort to be caught up with. It makes a man almost prefer the blood and gore of fieldwork.”
“I understand completely,” Andrew said, bowing sharply from his waist and straightening again. “I only pressed because I was certain of how deserving this gentleman at my side is of recognition in this matter and others. I fear he is just the sort of humble officer who would keep his heroic acts to himself.”
“Sir –” Nigel began, feeling uncomfortable.
“Captain Bateson, if you protest you will only be proving my point,” Andrew said quickly. He turned his attention back to the general. “Did you receive my official report on the actions of Captain Bateson in the late conflict across the Channel?”
“I did.” The general reached into his desk and drew out a thick folder with pages stuffed into it. “Your report was not the only one, Major Moorhouse. I found a few others with Captain Bateson’s information in them, and I must say that all reports were excessively flattering to our dear captain. It appears that you,” he said, turning his attention to Nigel, “had a hand in saving more than just the major here. It seems that there is a consistent theme running throughout these stories.”
“What is that, sir?” Nigel asked quietly.
“A selfless bravery,” the general said, his crisp manner softening somewhat, a smile lingering in his eyes. “It appears you were willing again and again to lay your own life down for that of your brother’s in arms. In one instance you went so far as to cross behind enemy lines and effect a rescue manoeuvre.”
Nigel hid a smile. “I know of what you are speaking, sir,” he said. “But I must correct you on that point. I did not cross behind enemy lines on purpose. A fellow soldier and I were not quick enough in our retreat and ended up trapped there for some time in an old barn that was within enemy control. Thankfully, we were afforded a chance to escape shortly afterwards, but there was little heroism in it.”
“I know.” The general smiled slowly. “The report is exactly as you describe. I felt the need to test this famed humility that the major speaks so highly of, as well as your honesty, and I see that both are quite as reported.”
Nigel felt the colour rise in his cheeks at the praise.
The general cleared his throat. “I know that the major wrote about a knighthood, but I’m afraid such an honour is quite beyond my power to bestow, as worthy as I may think you of such a thing. We will have to wait and watch and continue to encourage the royal family as regards that particular reward. But between us gentlemen, I do possess one power, and that is the power of promotion within the Army and Navy. I would like to offer you, Captain Bateson, a higher commission. You will be afforded the utmost respect with this title and a position abroad again.”
Nigel felt a thrill at the thought. To be offered a higher commission and promotion so soon after his recent promotion to captain was unheard of in his experience, and highly flattering. His first thought, however, was of Margaret. He waited for the nervous feeling to descend upon him again, but her letter lay gentle and reassuring against his chest, and instead, he felt the same calm as he responded.
“This is an honour indeed, general,” he said quietly. “The Army and Navy have treated me very well during my time with them, and I am thankful to the extreme for that kindness. But I must turn down your offer for a higher commission.”
He heard Andrew behind him suck in his breath and saw the general’s eyebrows raise. “May I ask why? This is a great honour I am bestowing upon you.”
“It is, sir, but I have reason to be tied to England at this stage in my life. I would ask instead to