Lucas: 26 November, Delhi
"Captain North. Have a seat, you look done in," Major Pearce greeted his fellow soldier.
Lucas settled himself in the chair of Major Pearce's new, makeshift, office, finally allowing himself to relax. Army headquarters had been shifted to one of the city's palaces. The palace combined a still imposing air of grandeur with traces of the rebellion. Its south walls were peppered with cannon shots on the south walls and there was evidence of recent looting including the removal of the jewel encrusted lions which had proudly guarded the complex's gates before the revolt.
"We got everyone out of the residency," Lucas began his briefing. "But they still hold the city."
Harry poured two glasses of whiskey. "That's well deserved," he commented, as he passed a glass to the other soldier.
Harry sat back in his chair. "It's a miracle you were able to get them out at all. Their numbers were ten times what ours were. And that there was anyone alive in Lucknow after six months," he added, tapping his finger against the glass.
"They were fortunate that Lawrence had laid a good stock supplies beneath the residency," Lucas replied.
"India will not see his like again," Harry replied, remembering his old friend with sadness. "I shudder to think who they'll send over to run the place after this whole mess is sorted out," he added, downing the last of his glass with a sour expression on his face.
"No proper credentials needed except birth, a firm conviction in British superiority and a desire to hunt down any rebels left in the country."
"You forget the never surrender attitude and the liking for hunting," Lucas added, allowing himself to break into a smile.
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. I'd forgotten that a sound knowledge of horseflesh and being handy with a shotgun was a far better qualification than actually knowing anything about the country you will be governing."
"But anyway, enough of this," Harry said, looking over at his friend. "You must be exhausted. Get some rest, we'll talk again tomorrow."
Lucas stood up, nodding. "It's been a long day."
"A long week, a long month, a long year," Harry added.
"Harry," Lucas began. "Joanna Carter, Adam's sister – do you know where she's staying? I have a message for her. It's rather urgent."
Harry gave him a long look. He wasn't aware that Lucas was acquainted with the lady concerned. But perhaps the message had been from Adam. Joanna had been extremely close to her late brother and if that was the case, she would certainly want to hear what he had to say.
"You'll find her in Rohtak. And she is no longer Miss Carter but Mrs James Grant."