Flashman in the Peninsula Read Online Free PDF

my staff, most completely useless. But I can certainly use you.’
    ‘Err… is Tasker on your staff sir?’ I asked, now quite confused as to what was happening.
    ‘I was sorry to hear about your lost commission,’ continued Wellesley as though I had not spoken at all. ‘Nothing I could do about that then of course, but I would be most delighted to reinstate you as Captain now. I recollect that you have been to Spain before, speak Spanish and I am sure you told me that your mother was the daughter of a Spanish nobleman. This makes you ideal to handle those Spanish grandees. I need you as a liaison officer on my staff.’ I stood staring at him trying to take it all in. ‘I know that there would not be as much action as you would like,’ Wellesley continued, ignoring my look of stupefaction. ‘But it is a vital role nevertheless.’ He beamed again and barked, ‘What do you say eh?’
    ‘I am not really sure,’ I admitted. I had been worried about being prosecuted or disgraced and now I was being offered a job.
    ‘Look, I know you Flashman, you like to get stuck in at the sharp end and probably don’t fancy the role of a staff walloper, but your skills with the Spanish commanders will be invaluable early on. Later, when good relations have been established, I will see if we can get you something a bit more exciting to do. Will you join me?’ He stuck out his hand for me to shake and I just stared at him. My first thought was how little he did know me despite our time together. The last place I wanted to be in any conflict was the ‘sharp end’. If I had to serve then staff officer was exactly the role I would want. But after the debacle of the last campaign I had no wish to go to Spain at all.
    ‘I’m sorry sir,’ I replied at last. ‘There seems to be some confusion, I am here because I received a request to meet a Mr Tasker.’
    ‘Tasker,’ he exclaimed, ‘but he is the cove looking into the Clarke business. You are not involved in that are you?’
    ‘Absolutely not. That is why I am here, to make that very clear.’
    ‘So you don’t want to join my staff?’ he asked, disappointed.
    ‘I don’t know if I can until I have spoken to Tasker.’ I searched around for an excuse, ‘He might want me as a witness or to help with the investigation.’
    He looked petulant and disappointed for a moment but then his face became set in its more habitual haughty look. ‘If you change your mind let me know,’ he said, before patting my shoulder and walking away. I was left standing in the big empty hallway feeling more confused than ever.
    Tasker, when I found him in an office adjoining that of the duke, was a stern middle aged man dressed all in black. After I had introduced myself and he had shown me to a chair opposite his desk, he sat down and stared at me. He did not say a word, just looked at me with eyes half shut in concentration as though he could divine my intentions just from my appearance. It was damned unnerving; I could feel the sweat starting to break out on my brow.
    ‘How can I help you Mr Tasker?’ I asked to break the silence, but he did not show any sign of having heard me. After nearly a minute had passed, or so it seemed for I did not look at the clock, I began to get angry. I was not here to be stared at like some lunatic in the asylum. It was as I started to get up that he spoke.
    ‘Sit down Mr Flashman. You are here at the express request of His Royal Highness and His Majesty’s Government.’
    ‘I don't understand why,’ I responded tartly.
    ‘Have you ever met Mary Clarke?’ he asked, watching me closely. He was getting straight down to the point and no error. If I had not already been tense with anger I might have shown more reaction. I was fairly sure that no one had seen us together at the river, but several of Byron’s set must have seen us talking together at Dorant’s Hotel. If I denied we met there it would seem suspicious.
    I endeavoured to look thoughtful for a