I Read Books: Rumours Of War

Rumours Of War

Mathew Hervey is back in England in 1826. Having turned down a staff posting and probable promotion due to ethical concerns he now wonders if there is any route to preferment for him. There are wars going on that Britain might get involved in, for example in Greece. But his contacts suggest that Portugal is the place, where Miguel and the absolutists are preparing to invade from Spain to usurp his niece Maria.

This is not the first time he’s been to Portugal and when he travels out with an advance party to plan in case of the need for a British intervention he’s reminded of his earlier visit, with Sir John Moore’s army that advanced boldly into Spain, only to be forced to retreat and be taken off at Corunna. Back in the present he is at odds with the leader of the reconnaissance party. Hervey is a cavalryman and thinks that a strong demonstration on the border will prevent Spain intervening while also discouraging the Miguelistas. His chief wants a more cautious approach, to remain on the coast in contact with the Royal Navy.

Of course Hervey has friends in high places, but using them might close off his chances of promotion. And there is a crisis at the border when he inspects it; what is his duty, and will it scupper all chances for advancement?

Read This: An interesting juxtaposition between the young Hervey and his first experience of war, ending in disgrace if not quite disaster, and the older, wiser, but equally bold one
Don’t Read This: Early nineteenth century cavalry antics are not for you