The Sweetest Dark

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Letter from Major Bernard C. R. Sumner, War Propaganda Bureau, London Headquarters

To: His Grace the Duke of Idylling

Re: Marquess of Sherborne

March 15, 1915

Reg,

You’ll be pleased to know your concerns regarding the marquess have been noted and all matters I assume sorted to your satisfaction. Paperwork regarding Sherborne’s transfer from the Royal Flying Corps to this office as a liaison officer have been signed and filed. He should be notified of his reassignment any day. Expect to see him around end of April. RFC isn’t fond of releasing trained pilots. Took a bit of harrying to get them to agree! Will send you his itinerary as soon as all is arranged.

On a more personal note, can’t tell you how happy we are to soon welcome a hero into our midst. Langley’s been saying for months we could use a man here at HQ who’s done some real fighting, been to the front, so to speak. The marquess’s record of twelve confirmed air combat victories (and I believe another five unconfirmed behind enemy lines) has everyone’s rapt attention.

Hope all is well. Margie sends her best. We’ll pop by for a spot of hunting before long, I’m sure.

–Bernie