Major Bellaport's Gratitude Journal 1809 by J Vincent

This month my assignment was to write a gratitude journal for one of my characters. I chose Bellaport--one of my five 14th Lt. Dragoon Officers during the Peninsular War. This journal carries Bellaport through the first part of Honour's Debt.


June 15th  Dammed thankful we got those scamps away from the Goat and Lamp without serious damage done to any. Those blasted green Lieutenants would follow Merristorm anywhere. Goodchurch was lucky to come away with only a badly bruised face. Thank God Danbury still has some sway over Merristorm and reins his greatest excesses.
 
November 20  Thank God Thomas has been spared the influenza that’s in the village. I’m thankful Lynette and Phillip are away from Bellum.  Not much to be thankful with this weather in Spain. Nice thing, Lt. Vincouer sharing his letters from his cousin Maddie. ‘Tis a mess he’s wanting to get into thinking he has to marry her to save her.
 
January 15, 1810  I suppose I have to be thankful I’m still alive. If Vincouer hadn’t caught me I’d have gone down that dammed mountain. If only the lieutenant hadn’t gone missing when he led a distraction so Goodchurch could get me out of Bembibre. Damme Napoleon. He may catch us yet if the ships aren’t awaiting at Corunna.
 
March 1  Danbury tried to raise my spirits, at low ebb with news of Thomas’ death and my being the heir. A dammed viscount--what will I do with a title? Anyway Danbury plied me with drink and then dropped a bundle of letters for me to take to Madeline Vincouer. I do owe the lieutenant a debt. Perhaps I can repay it by seeing if his cousin is still in danger and in need of a husband. I may have to spite my father’s plans for my bride.

---