"It"s not the same without you, sir." O"Neill had spoken awkwardly, as if he had not seen Jack in every state of dress and undress for the past decade.
"You have Elliot as Company Commander," Jack had said. "He"s a good man."
"Yes, sir," O"Neill had agreed. He glanced at Mary, who gave an encouraging smile. "Well, sir, me and the boys had a bit of a collection to help your marriage, sir, you and Mrs Windrush of course."
"There"s no need," Jack had begun until Mary forestalled him by stepping forward.
"How delightful!" Mary had said. "You are good men, all of you. Forgive me, Jack." Without another word she planted a kiss on O"Neill"s craggy face, following that by doing the same to each of the men. Jack watched in amazement as his bitter-eyed veterans responded with smiles, and even bl
