Jillian Chantal

This week’s word prompt is toe. We’re still rocking along in my regency story with the heroine disguised as a male.

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The three friends were assigned as cavalry as she suspected they would be.

As soon as they were dismissed and on their way back to their campsite, Robert said, “Thank goodness we’re still together. I was worried.”

“So was I.” Maud. confessed.

“I wasn’t. I knew we’d be assigned to wherever Shrewsbury would be. He likes bullying us too much to allow any of us to escape.” William waved his hand in the air. “I hope some Frenchie engages him so intently in battle that he can’t try to sabotage any of us.”

“Surely he wouldn’t do that to a fellow soldier.” Maud was appalled by William’s words.

“He’s so jealous of you and your skills, I think he might actually wish you harm,” Robert said.

Maud refused to accept it. Shrewsbury may not like her but there was no possibility he would want her harmed or killed. “I disagree, Robert. What would it benefit him if harm came to me?”

“Are you serious?” William asked. “Everyone in our group believes you’re a threat to his position. You could easily be field promoted and that’s scary for a man who only has his rank due to his family purchasing his commission.”

“How do you know he’s never been field promoted or if that would even matter to him?” Proud her friend thought she was skilled enough to earn a promotion, Maud’s heart swelled with pride.

“You never listen to the gossip, do you?” Robert asked.

“No. It’s never been something that interested me. I have an older sister who lives for scandal she can judge our friends and neighbors by. It turns my stomach to hear her and her close companions tear someone asunder for some perceived slight or bad behavior.”

“Not to criticize your lack of interest in such mundane things, but if you listened even once in a while, you’d find the truth is, the man does wish you harm.” Robert led the way to their tent and lifted the flap.

As soon as he did, he let out a gasp and stepped back onto Maud’s toe.

“Watch out,” she said.

To her shock, Robert saluted. “Sir,” he said.

Maud peered over his shoulder. Shrewsbury sat on William’s bunk.

When she found her voice, she pushed Robert in the side as she asked, “Is there some other task we should complete before turning in to be up early enough to move out?”

Shrewsbury stood. “No. I merely wanted a private word, Somerset.”

“Very well. Do you prefer it inside the tent or out? My companions planned to get some rest.”

“Since you put it that way, we’ll do it inside. Cecil and Everton can sit outside. It won’t harm them to stay awake a few more moments.” The smile on Shrewsbury’s face was more a sneer but Maud knew she had to ignore his blatant attempt to engage her in some act of insubordination. She had no doubt he was trying to bait her. Why else take the exact opposite position she did on which place to meet?