Post by captainmontgomery on Jul 10, 2006 12:04:46 GMT -5
--Part Two--
Somewhere near Spain; Two months later
Three medics stood around a long table, mirth of laughter snickered past their lips as they leaned over the bare bottom of Private Seymour. With a crude instrument shaped like tweezers, they pulled the lead balls out of his raw flesh.
Seymour howled, glaring back at the medics. "Its not bleedin' funny! This hurts like 'ell!" Regardless of his bellowing words of pain, the three medics just grinned and went on pulling the lead balls out of his tush.
Across the room stood an officer of the British army and he was speaking to a soldier that lay in one of the cots. The two had stopped long enough to glance over at the squabbled words of an injured soldier and the medic staff. Colonel Hamilton looked back at the blond haired man who was recuperating from injuries he had received in an accidental explosion a few months ago. "As I was saying Montgomery, you're looking much improved these past few weeks."
Brenton had leaned his head back on the stack of pillows piled behind him, hazel eyes resting on the fellow officer. "Yeah, maybe so, but I still feel like hell and this leg isn't healing as fast as I'd like." A scar had remained on his forehead and his right shoulder had been dislocated; and so it was bandaged. His left leg was still in splints, slowly healing from a bad break to the tibia.
Colonel Hamilton eyed Brent for a moment. "Don't be too eager now, Montgomery. The doctors have said it is going to take several more months before your leg can handle any stress due to that bone. Best take their advice and mine, take some leave and rest up. If you rush things, you will only do further damage to that leg and then you will be useless to yourself. I can't see you taking a desk job for the remainder of your career, my friend."
Brenton knew his friend was right, as well as the doctor's who had examined him. Just lying around, doing nothing. The restlessness was driving the active officer insane.
Colonel Hamilton placed his hand on Brenton's shoulder. "Go home, Captain Montgomery, visit your family and friends."
The soldier who was stretched out on his stomach on the table lifted his head and stared over at the two officers in shock. "Cap'n Montgomery? Well I'll be, you's alive!" He sounded off. "We all thought you to be dead. Right good to see ya alive and well, Cap'n," he grinned.
Brenton turned his head towards the sound of his name. His eyes had narrowed at the recognition of the young soldier. "Private Seymour. Yes, it is apparent that I am alive. A bit worse for the wear but alive, nonetheless. The other men, how did they all fare after the explosion?" He questioned. He was aware there were two causalities but as for the injured soldiers, he had not received additional updated word to their condition.
Private Seymour's expression of relief turned to sadness. "Well, I'm sure you heard that we lost two, Johnson and Stewart. But the others, they all healed up nicely and are back into action, Sir." He managed to smile. "I bet your family is right relieved to hear your still alive, Cap'n."
Captain Montgomery nodded his head and smiled at the news of his remaining battalion. "That's good to hear, Seymour." Soon the captain frowned, "Still alive?" A look of confusion crossed his features.
Private Seymour had stared at the captain; it was like seeing a ghost from the past come back to life. He then slapped his forehead and moaned, "Dear Gods, did they not tell you that we sent out the notification letters to your next of kin, Sir?"
Brenton's expression had turned gray. His gaze moved from the Private's eyes to Col. Hamilton's, who was silently listening.
The Colonel looked back at Brenton and shook his head. "First I've heard of this news too, Brent. I would say now more than ever is a good reason to return home. Your family needs to know that you are still alive. In person would be a kinder gesture I think too." He was smiling as he had said this.
His resolve caved in and he nodded his head. "I seem to have lost the argument. My family and friends need to know, the sooner the better." He looked back to Colonel Hamilton, tipped up his hand and saluted his commander. "Colonel Hamilton, I'll be requesting that leave of absence now."
Colonel Hamilton smiled and nodded, "I'll have the papers ready first thing in the morning. That will give you time to pack and ready yourself for the journey. Captain Montgomery, safe travels." With a fellow salute, the officer turned on a heel and left the hospital room.
England
One month later, Brenton was in England.
The news had come as a shock to his family and acquaintances that he was still alive. The news, nevertheless, was a joyous relief. He had spent a good deal of his time at his family's home, enjoying their company. The splints on his leg were off and he was getting about with a cane, though the going was slow and painful. Montgomery had traveled to London one morning to see Elliot Dalton, his best friend, to inform him that his demise had been premature. Unfortunately, the artist had left town recently and headed to Hawthorne for an extended visit with his family at the their estate in Wales.
Brenton returned to Ashbury and informed his family that he planned to take a trip, explaining he needed to locate his friend and tell him the news in person. Maybe take some time to spend with Elliot and rekindle their friendship and old times back at Eton. It would help to kill the time while his leg slowly continued the process of healing.
A week later, late one evening, a ship pulled into in port of Wales. Captain Montgomery disembarked and had hired a coach to take him into town; and from there he would get directions to Hawthorne Manor.
A ghost was about to walk into the lives of the Dalton family.
(Part 2 - End)