I Read Books: A Regimental Affair
Returning from India where he’s been doing some work for the Duke of Wellington, Mathew Hervey returns to his regiment to find he has a new lieutenant-colonel, the Earl of Towcester. He’s not good, but he is rich and has paid for uniforms and horses. Although this is not ideal the Colonel expects him to move on soon, which will also allow Hervey time enough in rank to be promoted.
England is at peace but not untroubled. There are machine breakers and chartists, and also well-armed smugglers. The Earl of Towcester is more interested in looking good for the Prince Regent, so Hervey has to deal with these demands – and also take the blame.
Hervey gets married. The good news is that he and his wife are very much in love, and as the ward of the Earl of Bath, she knows many influential people. The bad news is that no one likes it when she meddles. And so they are in a stand-off – a bad commanding officer, but not so bad anyone is willing to break ranks and oppose him. Then the regiment are sent to Canada where they will be tested by the winter.
Read This: More 19th century military adventures, with a dilemma of honour and tragedy
Don’t Read This: Lads on horseback charging around the country are not for you
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