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The younger brother Thomas saw Baines first. “Major!”

Every head turned.

Baines removed his coat and rolled up his sleeves. “Gentlemen. Am I too late to join this match?”

“Please save us. Sir George thinks his talents surpass mortal man,” Cranford drawled.

“I merely suggested a handicap,” Sir George protested.

“Same principle,” Edward replied.

Thomas came forward eagerly and changed the subject. “Edward says you served in the cavalry.”

Baines glanced at Edward.

Edward raised both hands. “I said nothing discreditable. I thought that was established.”

Thomas looked fascinated. “Were you ever charged by French cuirassiers?”

Baines reached for a cue. “Frequently. They had a personal dislike of me.”

Thomas laughed, but the awe on his face suggested hero-worship.

Sir Lionel smiled. “You will have to forgive him. Thomas has wanted a Commission since he was twelve.”

“Father refused,” Thomas said.

“Because at twelve you were very small.”

“I am not twelve now.”

“No, but the principle remains sound.”

Thomas ignored his father. “Did you know Stuart?”

Baines looked at him. “Major Stuart?”

“Yes… and Manners; Edward says you all served together.”

“More or less.”

“And Colonel Renforth?”

“Oh, yes.”

Sir Lionel chuckled.

Thomas moved closer. “What is he like to serve in battle?”

“Renforth?” Baines considered. “Have you ever disappointed God?”

Thomas blinked.

“Imagine something like that.”

Edward nearly dropped his cue for laughing, and even Cranford smiled.

Thomas, however, remained determined. “I should like to serve under him.”