"Of course," he repeated -- a fond smile on his face for her and perhaps, just a little, for the Duke. Sharpe would never be able to adequately explain the symbiotic relationship existent between the pair of them. Sharpe needed an influential patron and Wellington, from time to time, needed a thug. But the dependence ran deeper than this. Respect, debt, and gratitude tangled it all up.

"I was gazetted Captain. Do you know what that means, lass?"