I Read Books: An Act Of Courage

An Act Of Courage

Mathew Hervey was taken prisoner by the Miguelistas at the end of Rumours Of War and spends most of this book locked up in Badajoz on the border between Spain and Portugal, plotting to escape. He could offer his parole and be exchanged, or simply let go because Spain is officially neutral in the conflict in Portugal, though obviously favouring Don Miguel. But that would be the end of his career, as well as his self-respect as a gentleman.

But how much self-respect does he have? He’s having an affair with a married woman who has been intriguing on his behalf, he has farmed out his daughter to be brought up by his sister, his career is stalled and his efforts to promote himself here have ended up alienating him from his commanding officer and now locked up in Badajoz castle.

He thinks back to his previous time in Spain, with Wellington’s army. The regiment lost all its horses and also it’s colonel at Corunna, but the new commander makes sure that the regiment is ready to join the next expedition to Portugal six months later. Hervey performs several important feats, but never manages to come to the attention of higher authority, except when he’s court martialed.

He sees where the young Hervey went wrong, and also where he, the elder and wiser Hervey, needs to make changes to be the man he ought to. And also recollects several cool battle sequences and the terrible sack of Badajoz, which may just hold the key he needs to get out. And he’s not as alone as he thinks; old friends from his time in Spain are there to try and help him.

Read This: Some exciting Napoleonic War cavalry action with plenty of moral dilemmas to consider
Don’t Read This: Riding about Spain and Portugal fighting the French is not of interest