THE DUKE
Davenport put these plans together with a lick and a promise.
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ADJUTANT
It is a bit much, Your Grace, definitely a bridge too far.
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THE DUKE
That’s also my reading of the tea leaves. He vexes me. That man
has not seen action in a month of Sundays.
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ADJUTANT
General Davenport is above the salt and could be our ace in
the hole, Your Grace.
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THE DUKE
How so, my dear fellow, he’s worse than a lost ball in the high weeds. A right
royal shallow brook, I’d say, and about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
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ADJUTANT
If I may be so bold, a chocolate teapot does have it’s uses.
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THE DUKE
Come on man, out with it!
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ADJUTANT
Let the General execute his poor man’s plan. When his regiments fail
to take the high ground, it would be above the fold.
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THE DUKE
And of course, with him gone and after we’ve sorted out this Bonaparte fellow,
that’ll leave you in prime spot to helm John’s Company, now, will it not?
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ADJUTANT
Well, Your Grace, if the powers-that-be so decide,
who am I to dispute their wisdom.
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THE DUKE
Hmmmm, what’s the disposition of the Prussian reinforcements?
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ADJUTANT
They’ll be here tomorrow afternoon, Your Grace.
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THE DUKE
Good. Now then, take a despatch to General Davenport. Make clear
that I cannot and will not sanction any advance on the hills.
He has to await the Prussians, and those are my orders!
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ADJUTANT
Begging your pardon, Your Grace, the General will never deign to share
the accolades with anyone, and especially with the Prussians.
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The Duke
Even more reason why I have to order him not to advance,
don’t you agree, James?
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ADJUTANT
I see, yes, yes of course and if I might be permitted a degree of candour,
Your Grace, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered.
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THE DUKE
You mean it’s exactly what John’s Company needs!
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************ Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2014 ************