Chapter 2
"Are you sure it is a good idea that Captain Fraser rides back to the camp by horse?" asked Alison as he could see he didn't have much stability.
"We will walk next to him. Nothing will happen" Carter tried to calm down her worries.
"I'll be fine. I may have hit hard my head but I still can listen" joked Fraser.
Fraser winced slightly as he gingerly swung back up into the saddle for the ride back. During their way to the camp, Charlotte could see he was in pain but he tried as hard as he could to hide his discomfort. Alison and Carter were talking happily.
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By the time they arrived to the camp, Declan felt sore everywhere.
As soon as Captain Fraser and Captain Carter stepped in the camp, Colonel Lennox went to meet them. He didn't seem very happy with them.
"Where have you been? You missed the target practiced!" Lennox said upset. "We are here to work not to -" but Lennox didn't finish the sentence once he looked closely to Fraser's pale face when he unseated.
"There was an accident colonel" Charlotte began to explain. "Captain Fraser got injured and he should be examined".
"No doctor is needed... I'm fine" Fraser replied. He didn't want to make a fuss, nor draw attention to himself.
Colonel exchanged glances with Miss Heywood and then looked over at him. "That might be wise, miss Heywood. Your adrenaline is carrying you for now, but when it wears off…"
"I'm perfectly well, thank you" Declan politely declined.
"I may not express myself correctly. I was not asking you Fraser, I was ordering you" sentenced Lennox and Fraser understood any content would be useless.
Doctors' examination, which Fraser grudgingly allowed, revealed bruises, broken ribs and a head contusion. Nothing that some rest wouldn't resolve. Lennox was present during the examination so he could have the information first-hand.
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The doctor and colonel Lennox left the infirmary tent at the same time. The Heywood sisters waited outside alone since Carter had to join the target practice he missed in the morning. Alison and Charlotte decided they wouldn't leave the camp until they were sure Captain Fraser was perfectly fine.
Colonel looked surprised when he saw them.
"Ladies, what a surprise to see you here when you perfectly know this places is not suitable for ladies".
"What did the doctor say?" asked Alison ignoring Lennox comment.
"He'll be fine, he have some broken ribs and a head contusion. But after a week of rest, the doctor said he will recover".
"I'm glad to hear it" Alison sighed relieved.
"He's the most stubborn soldier I've ever meet. A horse fall would not stop him. I fought against Napoleon side and side with him and I can assure I've not ever seen a braver soldier than him. We were in Bidassoa and believe me when I say I'll never forget it"
Alison eyes light up when he mentioned Bidassoa where his beloved Carter saved those men from drowning. Charlotte suspecting what was Alison thinking she decided to add "As brave as Captain Carter, isn't it? I believe he fought on your side as well against Napoleon".
Colonel shook his head. "You must be mistaken miss Heywood, Captain Carter is just a boy. He has not been in any battle field yet".
A storm unleashed in Alison's mind. 'Carter lied to her. He had never fought any battle...' "If you excuse me" was all Alison managed to say without crying in front of the colonel.
Colonel was surprised by Alison reaction. "I need to go with my sister" Charlotte said and she ran after her. "Alison, wait!"
Alison stopped and turned around slowly revealing tears running down her face. "Oh my god… I've been a fool" Alison gasped, her breathing quickening.
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Meanwhile, Carter was sitting alone thinking about his conversation with Fraser and reliving how he could have been such a fool to draw his sword. What was he thinking? He almost kill him. Carter had never experienced such guilt. He pondered how he would assuage his guilt. He hoped Fraser would recover and would not suffer any long lasting injuries. But one thing was sure about, Fraser was right, he needed to tell the truth to Alison. She deserved better.
He saw Alison and Charlotte leaving the camp and he decided it was now or never so he hurried to catch them.
"Miss Heywood!" shouted to make her stopped. And she did but he didn't expect to find her crying.
"Is Fraser ok?" Carter asked afraid thinking she was crying because Fraser may have gotten worse.
Charlotte nodded. "You were never at Bidassoa. Were you? Was any of it true?" Alison was so angry and felt so betrayed
"My feelings for you are true" replied Carter.
'What was their loved based on?' Alison thought. "You are nothing but a liar. And I'm nothing but a fool"
TO BE CONTINUED