Epilogue
Garrison's return to the Mansion, late morning on January 9th, had him in some trepidation. He could con German soldiers when he needed to - could he con his men?
In the event he needn't have worried, they seemed disinterested in the return of their CO. It was sergeant-major Fletcher that gave him some hints that his men's furlough hadn't gone as smoothly as his own. Goniff had come back the first day, Actor and Casino on the morning train the next day. No, he didn't know why. None of the men was being at all forthcoming, although Goniff had been escorting Miss Millie in the evenings.
"How's Chief?"
"Lot better today. He had a bad turn after you left that first day, but the doctor came out and got him sorted. They said he was allergic to the anti-biotics. He's in the common room at the moment with Actor. Casino's in the garages and Diesel and Goniff are over at the farm."
The Lieutenant made a mental note to follow-up on that one, knowing instinctively the team had been economic with the truth. Diesel probably, he doubted Amber had the poker face she'd need.
"Amber?"
"Back at the hospital, but she's asked if you'd mind her keeping her room here for when she's a day off. Seems like the nurses quarters are a bit crowded at the moment."
"Thank you sergeant-major." Garrison was already back in work mode. "We'll restart training tomorrow. Keep it light for Actor until he's back up to speed. Probably be a day or so more for Chief but he doesn't like being left out of things."
A whinny had Garrison looking out of the window. Outside was something he never thought he'd see. Diesel was riding Charlie towards the lawn, his long legs dangling incongruously down the little chestnut's flanks. Neatly he asked the pony to perform a couple of moves that looked like horse ballet, then jumped to the ground. He handed the reins to a rather terrified looking little Cockney and boosted him into the saddle. Goniff was hanging on for dear life, even though the cob was standing quietly. Millie stepped forward and clipping a lead rein onto the bridle, started to walk the horse in a gentle circle. She was saying something to her student but Garrison was too far way to hear. He turned away, smiling.
"That'll be all sergeant-major." He dismissed his aide and started checking through his mail. He had a couple of letters to write and some arrangements to make before this down time ended. Fingers crossed they would get the two weeks his men deserved.