“I was there to kill or be killed. I understood that. I had orders and I obeyed them. But there are moments in the mass of men in battle where you forget you are a separate being... and so... I do believe I know what you mean. It’s humbling to realize that one’s importance in the scheme of things is, in fact, quite small. While it can be devastating, in some ways it becomes a source of strength.”
And he was amazed, in fact, that he did understand her.
“Beautifully put, Captain Hardy. I believe I’m coming to realize that.”
He had never thought about it in such terms. And what it might do to a person’s will or soul, to be seen as expendable.
They sat in a moment of silence.
“But you rose in the ranks.”
“I rose in the ranks.”
“And you are no longer expendable.”
“Arguably.” He smiled faintly.
She smiled, too, as though she was pleased to make him smile.
“But if you were an enlisted man, not there on an officer’s commission, there must have been a compelling reason for them to promote—”
“Valor,” he said shortly.
She blinked.
“Valor,” she repeated. Her voice lowered to a baritone.
She was taking the piss out of him!
The effrontery!
He stared at her. He had no idea what to feel in the moment, so astonished was he.
He was amazed to discover that he liked it quite a bit.
“Did they teach you how to answer questions with one word, Captain Hardy? You’re a miser with your history.” She was teasing.
“I’m not terribly interesting.”
“I doubt that sincerely.”
He lowered his book completely and stared at her. “Are you flirting with me, Lady Derring?”
Her jaw dropped. Then she clapped her mouth closed again. “Good heavens... I... what on?...No.”
She seemed so shocked and appalled his internal pendulum swung wildly between insulted and amused.
But her cheeks were glowing pink.
Which is why that pendulum came to rest onfascinated.
Lady Derring waslying.
And she was bad at it.
“I’m accusing you of disingenuousness, Captain Hardy.”
“Disingenuousness? I’ve called men out for less.”
