The Hornets collected the riderless horses and made three or four badly wounded men comfortable, having questioned them and found that a French army was likely to be at Talavera within the next two days, possibly earlier.
Welbeloved relaxed. He now had enough time to get his charges well away from imminent discovery. With a choice of isolated and friendly villages, he was confident that foragers from the enemy would not stumble across them.
CHAPTER 21
By the next morning, Welbeloved was less happy. The frantic activity over the last two days was over and he had time once more to think over what he should do during the next few months.
He didn’t regret his decision to ‘rescue’ a hundred and sixty wounded from certain capture by the French. Nevertheless he did have to admit to himself that it was his heart rather than his brain which had dictated his actions, when faced with Cuesta’s pragmatic, but quite cynical desertion of the unfortunates left in his care.
Realisation of what he had undertaken was now only too clear and would affect the freedom of movement of his command, at least until the new year. After that, there was the personal consideration of the child that Mercedes had confirmed she was carrying. That could arrive early in the new year and would mean that a safe haven would have to be found in the middle of an enemy-occupied country. A safe haven, moreover, that would remain secure from now until at least this time next year.
He looked across at MacKay sitting relaxed at the table in the dining room of the large house they had been invited to share, in the small hill town of Mejorado. The breakfast they had just eaten was plain but ample, from local produce that had escaped the attentions of the three armies disputing the plains, ten miles to the south.
MacKay’s report and Wellesley’s letter had been handed to him yesterday and this was his first opportunity to study them. He read the letter first and waved towards the report. “Yew showed this to Sir Arthur when yew met?”
“Aye, Sir. It seemed the best way of letting him know all about the French in Galicia.”
Welbeloved grunted. “Quite right too. We must ensure that he gets a copy of everything that is sent to the Admiralty, though it might be sensible not to admit it to them.
Yew seem to have made yor mark with him in more ways than one, all of them favourable. I shall be writing to the Admiralty myself about the first of his recommendations and I’m certain they will confirm it. Yew are Captain MacKay as from today. Congratulations Hamish.” He pushed the letter over for his second-in-command to read.
My dear Welbeloved,
Your man, MacKay, has come by with captured despatches which are priceless and which I have kept.
He also honoured me by letting me read his report to you, which I would have had difficulty crediting had I not seen your men in action. I can only recommend that you promote him immediately to replace Lord George. If not, I know Beresford is desperate for men capable of commanding his Portuguese regiments.
A strong rumour has reached me that Austria has been beat and has sued for peace. I think it true, but it means that Boney is now free to come himself to hunt the Leopards, as he likes to put it.
Our need for intelligence is as always paramount. Your efforts to encourage the Spanish irregular bands, would best serve our present interests along the routes to the gates to Portugal at Badajos and Ciudad Rodrigo. In effect, north and south of the Gredos and Guadarrama mountain chains.
I have written to the Admiralty, commending their foresight in sending you to Spain and describing your outstanding contribution to our efforts so far. This may sound like politicking, which I abhor, but believe me, I meant every word.
Sincerely,
Wellesley.
MacKay pushed it back. “Thankyou Sir. I thought George was coming it a bit strong, but it really does seem as if Sir Arthur approves of us, when the last I heard he was breathing powder smoke aboot us being here at a’.
This ought tae gi’e us the chance tae encourage the guerrilleros right in the middle of Spain and not just around the coast. We’re sitting here just where Sir Arthur needs us most.”
Welbeloved finished reading MacKay’s report. “He did seem moderately pleased with what he saw of us during the battle, Hamish. Judging by his letter, yor report impressed him nearly as much as it did me. If yew fancy being a colonel in the Portuguese army. I don’t doubt he would get Beresford to take yew.”
MacKay grinned wickedly. “After a’ this time I would nae hae the heart tae leave you tae manage by yourself. In any case, if the Portuguese army is anything like the Spanish, they’d hae tae make me a general tae be equal tae what I am noo.”
Welbeloved grinned back. “They fought as steadily as our lads last week, Hamish, since Beresford and a few British officers have been training and leading them. But thank yew for yor confidence in me.”
He waved the report. “I shall send this back to Admiral Harrison with my own report and a list of supplies needed. Let me know if there is anything else we want. Parsons can keep supplying El Martillo and El Marquisito through Ribadeo, but he can also supply us through Lisbon. Sir Arthur has promised to ship us clothing, boots and French cartridges in Daphne.”
The door opened and Mercedes walked in, having spent an hour visiting all the wounded in the village in the company of Surgeon-Lieutenant Grainger. Both men rose to their feet.
Welbeloved embraced her and said quietly. “I’m certain yew know this gentleman, my dear, but allow me to introduce Captain MacKay. I know you will agree that the promotion is deserved.”
She gave a little squeal of delight and rushed over and kissed MacKay. “It’s nowhere close to what you deserve, Hamish. Why! I do believe you are blushing, Sir!”
“Not sae, My Lady. This room is suddenly unco warm. Dae you nae feel it?”
Welbeloved grinned sympathetically. “It’s probably his reaction to the difference in temperature from the icy northern lands where he was born, my dear. Do stop teasing though and read these.” He passed over the papers.
She read Wellesley’s letter first, glancing up to give a nod of approval to MacKay, then looking thoughtful when she came to his stated preferences. She laid it down and picked up the report. There was no chance for her to read it before a knock on the door heralded Sergeant-Major Atkins, who announced. “Some of the partisans are outside, Sir, with a feller called Gomez ’oo says ’e’s the leader of all the bands in these mountains.”
Mercedes shot out of her chair and was through the door before any of the men could say a word. They followed her outside to find her hugging a short, stout man, dressed in serviceable clothes of dull greens and browns and sporting a magnificent curly black moustache shot through with grey.
She was chattering away so fast that the only words he had been able to utter sounded like pequeña merthé, as he hugged her in return. They separated, but before Mercedes could make any introductions, there was another shriek and the small figure of Isabella propelled itself into his arms.
It was five minutes before anyone remembered Welbeloved and MacKay standing watching it all. Then Mercedes pulled him forward. “This is Josef Gomez, Joshua. He was Horse Master and huntsman for my father and has looked after me and the estates since he died. He taught me to ride and hunt and almost everything I know about the important things in this life. I have always called him Uncle.” She beamed at Gomez. “Tio, this is my husband. I am now Señora Welbeloved of the Avispónes Morenos.”
The two men sized each other up, while Gomez was growling. “You are the Condesa Merthé and if as you say, he is your husband; I am addressing El Conde.” He gave a stiff little bow.
Welbeloved stepped forward and grasped his hand, using his now fluent Italo-Spanish. El Conde is courtesy only, Tio Josef. I much prefer Coronel or even Capitano. I had to earn those titles, while, probably because of the training you gave her, I am still having to work hard at being a husband.”
It broke through the reserve and a gap-toothed grin appeared below the magnifice
nt moustache. “Then I shall call you El Coronel, for I cannot pronounce your name. Do work harder though. I do not doubt that you are man enough for my Merthé. It should not be difficult to be Conde enough for her.”
They grinned conspiratorially and Welbeloved took his arm to lead him into the house when Isabella tugged at his other sleeve. “Papá! Before you go with El Conde, you must come and meet Ramon.”
Both Gomez and Welbeloved spoke together. Gomez growled. “And who is Ramon, my precious?” Welbeloved blurted. “This is your daughter, Tio Josef? You have trusted me with both your daughters this last year?”
They both stopped and laughed, then Welbeloved roared “Hickson!” in his loudest Quarterdeck voice. “Sir?” The yell in reply was almost as loud. Hickson came running from the house where he and Isabella were billeted. Mercedes spoke quietly in Gomez’s ear. “I gave my approval, Tio Pepe. He is a good, brave man and he is right for a good, brave girl. He is your son-in-law, your yerno.”
Hickson was a big man, slightly taller than MacKay and half again as heavy. He towered over Gomez as Isabella told him that this was her father and he looked absolutely terrified, as his father-in-law stared up at him.
Apparently satisfied with what he saw, Gomez took his daughter’s arm, “Does he do what you tell him, Isabella?” She relaxed visibly. “Mostly, Papá, but not always.” He nodded. “Good, that is as it should be.” He took his daughter’s hand and held it towards Hickson. “Be good to her Yerno. We will speak later.”
Hickson clutched at the hand offered to him, but his voice was strong and firm enough. “I will assuredly do that, Suegro. Have no fear.”
Gomez turned and followed Mercedes into the house. The four of them seated themselves round the table and Welbeloved spoke first in English. “It does seem an incredible coincidence, my dear, that yor honorary uncle and Isabella’s father, should appear in the role of chief of the partisans in this region. Is there something perhaps that yew have forgotten to tell me about?”
She looked quite indignant. “Not so, husband. I did not know that Tio Pepe was leading the resistance in these mountains, but it does not surprise me in the least that he should do so. I cannot imagine anyone more qualified.”
“From what yew have told me, neither can I, but fortuitously, why here, where as yew have read in Sir Arthur’s letter, we have the greatest need for someone like him?”
She looked at him in complete exasperation while realisation slowly dawned on her. “When you married me, you really had no idea or interest in what I was bringing into our union, did you, my love?”
He knew the tone and wondered why it always put him on the defensive. “I knew I was getting yew. I knew yew had a title and I do remember yew said yew had some property not far from Madrid, that was likely confiscated by a French general. Only the first part of that is really important to me.”
“My dearling. That is why I could never have let you escape. Never before had I met a suitor who wasn’t more concerned about my title and estates, while you hardly noticed them.” She deliberately went into Spanish for the benefit of Gomez. “What was of so little interest to you was that twenty-five miles north of here is the valley of the River Tiétar and twenty-five miles north of that is the valley of the Alberche. Much of what lies between the two rivers is mountain, but it is our home and Tio Pepe is about to tell us how much is left to us.”
All eyes turned to Gomez, who had been following the exchange with great interest. His eyes came alive as if he was returning from far away. “I did not understand the words you used, but I understand my little Merthé. When two people get married they do not find out about each other all at once. It happens many times at unknowable intervals. I think you have both discovered something fresh and it pleases you. I think also it pleases El Capitano here, who loves you both.
The French general, who wanted to own you, has been sent to the south with his command. When he went, he took some of your pictures and silver with him, together with some of the older horses that I had not thought worth hiding.
Your cousin Alfonso then indulged in some serious wooing of the French king. He succeeded in having you declared traitor and your title and inheritance was given to him. Shortly afterwards, most of the paintings and valuables in the lower manor were sent to Madrid; we suspect to Joseph.
Alfonso also came to your manor in the hills, but by that time we had thirty armed men and he left, knowing that he will have to bring many more than that if he wants to come back. If he hadn’t been family we would have killed the rotten afrancesado. The servants at the other house will not fight for him and the French have no soldiers to spare at the present. Your favourite manor and the greater part of your lands in the mountains and between the rivers, is held for you.”
Welbeloved looked at his wife who smiled and held her palms toward him as if passing everything over to him. He smiled back and turned to Gomez. “Until now, Tio, I had no notion that my wife’s estates were so close, so extensive, or that they appeared so attractive as a defensible refuge, from where we can wage war against the invaders. What distance are they from here and is it possible to accommodate the Hornets and the wounded soldiers for a few months?”
“The distance, Coronel, would be twenty miles if you were an eagle. On the ground maybe forty over poor roads. Two days at least to take the wounded men all the way, but when they get there we have the manor and the stables, the village and two farms with barns and cattle sheds. It will be very crowded, but it can be done.”
Mercedes took up the tale. “I have learned a lot about defence since I joined the Hornets. The manor is in a big valley and there are only three roads in and out. One is north over the mountain to the Alberche and can be defended by two men with Fergusons. The main road goes from east to west and runs through defiles ten miles apart. I would think that it could be made nearly as safe as our fortress in Galicia.”
She looked to Gomez for confirmation and approval. He merely shrugged happily and said, “Use my men to help in whatever way you need them. I will go back and start to make preparations.”
Even though Tio Pepe had brought three extra wagons with him, it took three full days before all the wounded were delivered safely to Santiago del Valle, the village, church and manor house in the twenty square miles of secluded valley, six thousand feet up in the Sierra de Gredos.
The august heat was bearable at that height and the thick, weathered stone walls of the manor made it more of a small castle than the favourite dwelling of the Condesa de Alba.
The inhabitants of the village and of the other two small villages in the valley were overjoyed at the return of their Condesa. Any reserve or suspicion they might have had for her new husband, vanished as soon as the word spread that he was the famous leader of the mythical Avispónes.
Within a month, Welbeloved and Tio Pepe had surveyed the three gateways into the valley and small strongholds had been built to control the defiles leading up to the two main entry points.
The lower manor, having been stripped of much of its contents and treasures, was now almost deserted. Alfonso had moved into the house in Madrid and had therefore dismissed most of the staff. Tio Pepe had quietly arranged for them to join the household at Santiago.
The young men were certainly surplus to the needs of the upper manor, but three weeks of intensive training by Dobbs and Hickson turned them into a remarkably efficient garrison for the two strongholds, capable of defending them against a small army. Also, being available at a moment’s notice, they could assist the growing band of guerrilleros who were scattered in small units in remote villages along the eighty miles of the Gredos mountains.
August, september and october were recruitment and training times. The Hornets went out in groups of four or five, mainly to watch for messengers to ambush and in order to keep up the pressure on the enemy. It was essential that the French should always feel alien in this land. They should know that they were unwanted and should never feel entirely safe.
&n
bsp; Even this close to Madrid, the French began to realise that all their messengers had to have an escort. Little troops of light cavalrymen quickly became magnets for combined bands of guerrilleros, stiffened with half-a-dozen Hornets to provide the muscle with their Fergusons. The additional benefit to the guerrilleros was the horses they captured from these small troops. The distances that needed to be covered over an eighty-mile stretch of the mountain range meant that there were never enough horses available.
The enemy soon realised this when more and more escorts hobbled back to their billets without tunics, overalls and boots. It was almost embarrassing how quickly they surrendered, once the word spread that they would be spared if they did not resist. The result was that fewer messengers were sent out. They carried only the most vital messages and they had an escort of fifty or more horsemen.
By the end of september, over half the wounded men were fit enough for light duties and were given tasks to help them earn their keep. All were encouraged to learn to use one of the harvested French muskets and when twenty of them; mostly cavalrymen; were able to ride a horse, Welbeloved decided it was time for them to be taken back to the army.
The few wearing red coats or vivid uniforms were fitted out with captured chasseur jackets and grey overalls and MacKay took ten Hornets along as an escort. They knew from captured despatches that French and Spanish armies were manoeuvring north of the Gredos and south of Madrid. It seemed a good time to make a dash toward the southwest while the armies were occupied elsewhere.
Talavera had been re-occupied shortly after Cuesta had left, but was only held by a garrison now. They were able to follow the Tiétar until it joined the Tajo, which they crossed without difficulty. Within a week of easy stages they walked their horses along the damp and marshy valley of the Guadiana into Badajoz.
Viscount Wellington; for so they learned was now his title; was not there, having left for Lisbon some time earlier. Vere was at his headquarters however and having learned that Luis Lopez had been sent with reports and shopping lists to Ribadeo early in august, he determined to accompany MacKay to Lisbon to find out whether Daphne had made landfall there yet.
A Mild Case of Indigestion Page 24
