It is currently 10:35 in London. Meanwhile at Horse Guards, a man with short dark brown hair and emerald green eyes along with a neatly trimmed moustache is calmly sitting at his desk. The man is wearing a black coat and a white shirt both of which are neatly buttoned up. He is also wearing black pants and jet black boots. Suddenly another man with short ginger hair and sky blue eyes enters. He is wearing similar clothing except he is wearing a light grey coat. The man who has just entered starts speaking in a calm voice.

???: Good Morning Lord Carrington.
Edward Carrington: Good Morning Lord Anderson.
Elliot Anderson: It seems more peaceful here than in the House of Commons. So much shouting.
Edward Carrington: What are they shouting about?
Elliot Anderson: God knows. But it's ridiculous.
Edward Carrington: Why are you here anyway? You don't normally come see me this early Lord Anderson.
Elliot Anderson: I have concerning news Lord Carrington. I heard this from a friend in the House of Commons.

Edward Carrington stares at Elliot Anderson with a look of confusion. Elliot Anderson starts speaking in a concerned and slightly shocked tone.

Elliot Anderson: Many people have been wondering for a while now where General Henry Wellesley went.
Edward Carrington: Well yes we know that he left to go join the war with his brother Lord Wellington.
Elliot Anderson: People have been saying recently that General Henry Wellesley is dead.
Edward Carrington: Dead!? Who told you this?

Elliot Anderson: Lord Mornington.
Edward Carrington: Isn't he Lord Wellington's brother?
Elliot Anderson: Yes he is.
Edward Carrington: Goodness me I can't imagine how Lord Wellington would be feeling right now. Losing his brother.
Elliot Anderson: It has shocked me too.
Edward Carrington: May I ask how did the General die?
Elliot Anderson: Lord Mornington didn't say how his brother died. He possibly doesn't know.

Edward Carrington calmly sighs to himself then he starts speaking in a tone full of disbelief.

Edward Carrington: General Henry Wellesley is dead.
Elliot Anderson: I couldn't believe it either sir.
Edward Carrington: He was a great General. Even though he and Lord Wellington were fighting for glory.
Elliot Anderson: They both tried to outdo each other.
Edward Carrington: I still can't believe that he died so unexpectedly. Does the public know of his death?

Elliot Anderson: Well yes they do know.
Edward Carrington: I'm assuming that Lord Mornington wants to grieve privately.
Elliot Anderson: I don't know. Maybe Lord Mornington wants to grieve privately. Who knows how the General died maybe it was a gruesome death. War can be like that.
Edward Carrington: And what do you know about war Lord Anderson?
Elliot Anderson: My brother was killed in Spain at the Battle of Salamanca. His death was gruesome. I still prefer not to speak of it.
Edward Carrington: Is that why you stayed away from the Army Lord Anderson?
Elliot Anderson: Yes that's one of the reasons why I stayed away from the Army and went into politics instead.

Edward Carrington gestures to Elliot Anderson to come sit down. Elliot Anderson calmly and confidently walks over to the desk and sits down in front of Edward Carrington. Edward Carrington smiles a little bit then he starts speaking in a cheerful voice.

Edward Carrington: I don't want you to just be standing there Lord Anderson.
Elliot Anderson: Sorry Lord Carrington. I prefer to stand. Especially since I spend a lot of time sitting down while in the House of Commons.
Edward Carrington: You can go for a walk afterwards. Besides I like your company, Lord Anderson. It's a bit lonely at times.
Elliot Anderson: I prefer the quietness of this place. Although I do sometimes enjoy letting my anger out.

Edward Carrington chuckles a little bit and he continues speaking in a cheerful voice.

Edward Carrington: Your anger sometimes scares me, Lord Anderson.
Elliot Anderson: I can tell that it does scare a few people.
Edward Carrington: You have that kind of authority. Sort of like Lord Wellington.
Elliot Anderson: I don't have his kind of authority. Or his anger.
Edward Carrington: I wouldn't want to anger Lord Wellington either.

Elliot Anderson: I'm scared of his anger. I have seen him get angry on rare occasions. I have heard about his anger from my dear brother.
Edward Carrington: Yes he does have a temper. Even when he isn't angry he can be cold.
Elliot Anderson: Indeed.
Edward Carrington: Now Lord Anderson do you want some tea? I shall get us some tea.
Elliot Anderson: Yes Lord Carrington.

Meanwhile, at Lord Morningtons castle Richard Wellesley is working in his private study. Suddenly William Wellesley angrily swings the door open and grumbles out of annoyance. Richard Wellesley quietly sighs to himself out of slight irritation. William Wellesley starts speaking in an irritated tone.

William Wellesley: You lied to Lord Anderson!
Richard Wellesley: Yes, I did. Even though Lord Anderson has a temper and some wit. He wouldn't know that it was a lie, William.
William Wellesley: He indeed is a witty bastard.
Richard Wellesley: Dont call him a bastard William I am very well acquainted with Lord Anderson.
William Wellesley: The public also knows about your damn lie.

Richard Wellesley: Well it's a good thing that they know Henry is dead instead of a traitor. Our family name is still clean.
William Wellesley: Just like father wanted. Especially after Henry's last scandal.
Richard Wellesley: I promised our father that our family name would never be stained. That promise has been broken only once and I won't break it again.
William Wellesley: I know that you won't. However, I'm still annoyed that you lied Richard. Lying is very unlike you Richard.
Richard Wellesley: Sometimes lies are the only option, William.

William Wellesley sighs out of annoyance and he continues speaking in an irritated tone.

William Wellesley: You better hope that no one figures out that it was all a lie.
Richard Wellesley: They won't know William!
William Wellesley: How won't they know!?
Richard Wellesley: If Henry never returns home they will definitely assume that he is dead.
William Wellesley: Richard the people would want his body to be returned to England.
Richard Wellesley: Well you could say that he was captured and killed by the French. I doubt that the French would return the body of an English soldier. Especially a General.
William Wellesley: Indeed Richard.

Meanwhile, at Horse Guards Edward Carrington and Elliot Anderson are cheerfully having tea together. Suddenly Corey awkwardly but politely enters the room and awkwardly stares at the two Lords. Edward Carrington notices Corey staring at him and Elliot Anderson. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Edward Carrington: Why are you here?
Corey: I have a message from Lord Wellington for you sir.
Edward Carrington: It's been a while since I had a message from Lord Wellington.
Elliot Anderson: It's been a while since I have seen Lord Wellington. Now his brother General Henry Wellesley is dead. I can't imagine how he is feeling.
Edward Carrington: Why are you here messenger? What does Lord Wellington want?
Corey: I shall give you the letter sir. I haven't opened it so I don't know what Lord Wellington wants exactly. He just sent me here to deliver this letter, sir.

Corey calmly and awkwardly walks over to the desk and grabs the letter out of his pocket. Then he gently and politely places it on the desk in front of Edward Carrington. Who then grabs the letter and carefully opens it and calmly reads it.

July 24th 1815

Today Lieutenant Sundermann distinguished himself by saving my life from the French. I wish for him to be rewarded for his actions. I wish for him to be gazetted, Captain.

Duke of Wellington

Edward Carrington smiles a little bit and gently folds the letter back up and puts it aside. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet serious tone.

Edward Carrington: Saving Lord Wellington's life deserves some sort of reward.
Elliot Anderson: A Lieutenant saved the life of Lord Wellington?
Edward Carrington: It seems that way, Lord Anderson. It's not every day we get a letter about a soldier saving the life of someone as important as Lord Wellington.
Elliot Anderson: Indeed. So are you going to reward Lieutenant Sundermann Lord Carrington?
Edward Carrington: Yes, I feel like someone who has achieved something like that deserves a reward.

Edward Carrington calmly grabs a blank sheet of paper. Then he grabs his quill and begins calmly writing.

July 26th 1815

Your Grace

Lieutenant Sundermann shall be rewarded for his actions. Your wish will be accepted and he shall be gazetted, Captain. I hope that he serves the Army, Great Britain and King George well as Captain.

I have also heard about the death of your brother General Henry Wellesley. I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a fine General. He was irreplaceable.

Lord Edward Carrington

Edward Carrington calmly folds the letter up and places it on his desk in front of Corey. Corey politely grabs the letter and places it in his pocket. He then starts speaking in a calm and polite voice.

Corey: I shall be off My Lord. I have a letter to deliver to Lord Mornington and his brother William Wellesley.
Edward Carrington: Send my condolences to Lord Mornington and William Wellesley messenger.
Corey: Yes, I shall do that My Lord. Good day, Lord Carrington and to you as well Lord Anderson.
Edward Carrington: Good day messenger.
Elliot Anderson: Good day messenger. Also, send my condolences to my dear friend Lord Mornington. I wish I could have done it myself, but duty calls.
Corey: Yes Lord Anderson. I shall tell him.

Corey calmly and politely exits the room. Elliot Anderson calmly gets up and goes and stands in the nearest corner of the room near a window. Then he takes out his maple wood pipe and begins putting tobacco in it and lights it. Edward Carrington awkwardly looks over at Elliot Anderson who now has the pipe in his mouth. Edward Carrington starts speaking in a calm yet awkward tone.

Edward Carrington: Are you alright Lord Anderson?

Elliot Anderson politely nods and continues standing in the corner while staring out the window. Edward Carrington grabs another sheet of paper and begins calmly writing something. Meanwhile, a couple of hours later at Lord Morningtons castle Richard Wellesley is still in his private study working on something. A few minutes later he hears a gentle knock on the door. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet serious voice.

Richard Wellesley: Who is it?
Corey: It's me, My Lord I have a message for you.
Richard Wellesley: Come in Corey.

Corey calmly opens the door and Richard Wellesley stops writing and starts speaking in a calm voice.

Richard Wellesley: Good to see you, Corey.
Corey: Same with you My Lord. I have something else to tell you other than that I have a message for you and your brother.
Richard Wellesley: What is it, Corey?
Corey: Lord Carrington and your dear friend Lord Anderson both send their condolences. I have just heard about the death of General Henry Wellesley from them and I to give you my condolences.
Richard Wellesley: Thank you, Corey. I shall thank Lord Carrington and Lord Anderson later.
Corey: Right I shall give you the letter from your brother Lord Wellington.
Richard Wellesley: Thank you, Corey.

Corey carefully takes the letter out of his pocket and places it on Richard Wellesley's desk. Richard gently grabs the letter and unfolds it then he begins calmly reading it.

July 24th 1815

Hello Richard I hope that you manage to keep William from telling the public about this situation. We don't need this scandal staining our family name. I know how you feel about that. You are just like father wanting to protect our family's honour.

I decided to not reconcile with Henry. I ended our relationship and he didn't seem too pleased about it. I was also shocked when he attempted to take my life for the first time. I would have never expected him to take my life. We indeed had a wonderful friendship Henry and I when we were younger. But that friendship has crumbled into many pieces and can't be fixed.

Richard the reason why Henry betrayed me is complicated. But the simple reason is mainly that he felt that he had been sidelined for most of his time as my second in command. I didn't realise that he was being sidelined I was too focused on other things. Also, you are right Richard I need to stop blaming myself for his betrayal when it's not my fault. I do blame myself too much for things that aren't my fault. It's going to take me a while to move on from this it still hurts me to think about Henry from time to time.

I'm glad that my boys are well Richard. I also understand that they miss me and Kitty. But I'm sure that we will be home soon. I have a feeling that this war will be over soon.

Your dear brother
Arthur Wellesley

Richard Wellesley gently folds the letter back up and puts it aside. Then he grabs a blank sheet of paper and starts calmly writing.

July 26th 1815

Hello Arthur I have managed to keep William from telling the public about this scandal. I'm assuming that you probably also have heard that Henry is dead. That is not the truth I have just made up a lie so no one knows what truly happened to Henry. I also might have lied to Lord Elliot Anderson a man in the House of Commons about it too. I understand if you are upset with me because William is as well. But it was the only option to protect our family's honour.

Arthur, I feel that you might have made the right choice to not reconcile with Henry. As you said he tried to kill you multiple times. Sometimes a relationship is too far from reconciliation and you just have to let go of that broken relationship. You made your choice and Henry made his. But I'm surprised that he was upset about you ending the relationship with him.

He was your second im command at one point in time. He should have been honoured to be in that position. I know that he possibly felt sidelined as you were gaining a lot of glory in battle. But he was still in a very honourable position which would have earned him some glory as well. I understand that you are possibly hurting still as ending a relationship is hard especially if it's with someone so close to you.

I hope that you stop blaming yourself so much, Arthur. It's not good for you to keep blaming yourself for everything Arthur when it's not even your fault. I wish for your safety in the upcoming battle you have. I wish for you and Kitty to return home safely to your two boys.

Your dear brother
Richard Wellesley.

Richard Wellesley gently folds up the letter and calmly hands it to Corey. Who carefully puts it into his pocket. Richard then starts speaking in a calm yet slightly cheerful voice.

Richard Wellesley: Safe travels Corey. Unfortunately, William won't be able to send a letter as he is at a meeting.
Corey: I see I will tell Lord Wellington about that. Because he would be wanting to know why his brother hasn't sent him a message.
Richard Wellesley: Yes knowing Arthur he would be wondering something like that.
Corey: I shall hand you the other letter, Lord Wellington wrote.

Corey carefully grabs the letter and gently places it on Richard Wellesley's desk. Richard Wellesley smiles and starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Richard Wellesley: Thank you, Corey, and safe travels.
Corey: Your welcome and thank you, Lord Mornington.

Corey calmly exits the room and gently closes the door behind him. Richard Wellesley continues calmly working on something. Meanwhile on the European Continent not too far from a nearby village in the British camp. Wellington is in his tent calmly reading something. Suddenly Lord Uxbridge enters the tent with a newspaper in hand and a concerned look on his face. Wellington stops reading and looks up from his desk and stares at Lord Uxbridge. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet slightly confused tone.

Wellington: What's wrong Uxbridge? You seem concerned about something.
Lord Uxbridge: There is something odd in the papers sir.
Wellington: Odd?
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir. Odd.
Wellington: Hand me the paper Uxbridge. Besides, I feel like learning what is going on in London anyway.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir.

Lord Uxbridge calmly walks over to Wellington's desk and places the newspaper on the desk. Wellington stares at the front page of the paper for a couple of minutes. Then he looks up at Lord Uxbridge with a look of seriousness on his face. He then starts speaking in a calm yet serious tone.

Wellington: Everyone in London thinks that Henry is dead and that he was killed in battle.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes sir. It's on the front page of every newspaper.
Wellington: I only know one man who could have thought of such a scheme.
Lord Uxbridge: Well, it's obvious that General Henry Wellesley isn't dead. So who thought of this clever lie?
Wellington: My brother such a clever man he is.

Lord Uxbridge: Lord Mornington thought of this idea?
Wellington: Yes he did. It's protecting the honour of my family and also my reputation.
Lord Uxbridge: I have also read more of the newspapers and the people still want you to be Prime Minister sir.
Wellington: Well Uxbridge if my reputation stays intact I might think about going for it. A man with a bad reputation shouldn't be running for such a powerful position.
Lord Uxbridge: Indeed sir.

Wellington calmly sighs to himself then he continues speaking in a calm yet serious tone.

Wellington: I'm still unsure about going for such a powerful position.
Lord Uxbridge: I understand that sir.
Wellington: I will think about it after this war is over. Because then I will have more time to think about a decision.
Lord Uxbridge: Speaking of the war sir.
Wellington: Yes Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: How long until we fight the French and end this war?

Wellington: Two days until we get to our destination. Possibly four days depending on the weather Uxbridge.
Lord Uxbridge: I see.
Wellington: I, unfortunately, can't predict how long the battle would last Uxbridge. We have the advantage of having more men than the French. But my men are less disciplined than the French.
Lord Uxbridge: Yes indeed.
Wellington: Anything else that you need to tell me Uxbridge?
Lord Uxbridge: No sir, I shall take my leave.

Lord Uxbridge calmly exits the tent. Wellington puts his work aside and grabs the newspaper then he starts carefully reading it. Kitty Wellesley glances over at Wellington and cheerfully smiles. Then she starts speaking in a cheerful tone.

Kitty Wellesley: Arthur you would make a great Prime Minister. But I understand that it's your decision.
Wellington: I'm still unsure about being in such a powerful position Kitty.
Kitty Wellesley: I understand that my love.
Wellington: I will have time to think about it after the war Kitty.
Kitty Wellesley: Yes. I hope that this war ends soon so we can go home to London.

Wellington: It will be over very soon my dear. Just two or four more days until we fight the French. Then hopefully all goes well.
Kitty Wellesley: Yes hopefully it goes well. I don't want to lose you, Arthur.
Wellington: You won't lose me, my dear Kitty.
Kitty Wellesley: I'm also wondering why Richard would tell such a lie.
Wellington: Saving the honour of our family and probably doing me one last favour in saving my reputation.
Kitty Wellesley: I see.

Meanwhile, in the French camp, Henry Wellesley is peacefully taking a nap in his tent. Suddenly Joseph Ney enters the tent with a newspaper in hand. Then he starts speaking in a serious and slightly irritated tone.

Joseph Ney: Wake up Henry!

Henry Wellesley slowly opens his eyes and stares at Joseph Ney with confusion and concern. Joseph Ney walks over to his desk and slams the newspaper down on the desk. Then he stares at Henry with a serious look on his face. He then continues speaking in a serious and slightly irritated tone.

Joseph Ney: Henry.
Henry Wellesley: What's wrong Joseph you look and sound annoyed.
Joseph Ney: The damn British are telling lies about you, Henry!
Henry Wellesley: What!?
Joseph Ney: They are assuming that you have died in battle Henry!
Henry Wellesley: Why would they do this!?
Joseph Ney: Possibly so your stupid brother's reputation doesn't get damaged by your betrayal!
Henry Wellesley: How dare they do this. Give me the newspaper Joseph I want proof for myself.

Joseph Ney roughly grabs the newspaper and throws it over to Henry Wellesley. Who calmly catches it and stares at the front page. Once Henry realises the truth he begins almost tearing the newspaper apart out of anger. Henry Wellesley starts speaking in a tone full of anger.

Henry Wellesley: I know who did this.
Joseph Ney: Who did it, Henry?
Henry Wellesley: My damn lying brother Richard! Smart bastard he is!
Joseph Ney: Didn't you also tell me that he is an Earl?
Henry Wellesley: Yes he is.
Joseph Ney: So a smart and rich bastard then?
Henry Wellesley: Yes.

Suddenly Marshal Ney enters the tent and stares at Henry and Joseph with a look of seriousness. Then he starts speaking in a serious tone.

Marshal Ney: What's all the yelling about?
Joseph Ney: The damn British bastards are thinking that the Englishman was killed in battle.
Marshal Ney: Probably Wellington just trying to save his reputation. As his brother betrayed him if anyone in London were to find out about that it would hurt his reputation.
Henry Wellesley: Stupid bastard! I'm going to burn this damn newspaper.
Marshal Ney: Who's the bastard?
Joseph Ney: His older brother an Earl.

Marshal Ney: Of course, the Earl of Mornington. I've heard about him. He helped Wellington get to where he is.
Henry Wellesley: Why would he lie about me being dead!?
Marshal Ney: Reputation Englishman.
Henry Wellesley: May they all be damned!

Henry Wellesley gets up and tries to push past Marshal Ney. But Marshal Ney grabs the collar of Henry's shirt and glares into Henry's eyes. Then he starts speaking in a commanding tone.

Marshal Ney: Listen to me Englishman. Learn some respect. I am second in command here just below the Emperor himself. You do not push me around like you probably did with your men.
Henry Wellesley: Sorry Marshal.
Marshal Ney: Also, get a damn grip. What happens in London doesn't matter right now. Focus on the upcoming battle.
Henry Wellesley: Yes Marshal.

Marshal Ney then lets go of Henry Wellesley's collar and he snatches the newspaper out of Henry's hand. Marshal Ney then calmly exits the tent and Henry Wellesley calmly sighs to himself. Then he walks over to Joseph's desk and grabs a blank sheet of paper along with the quill and ink well. Then he walks over to his bed and sits down. Joseph Ney stares at Henry Wellesley with confusion. Then he starts speaking in a calm yet slightly confused voice.

Joseph Ney: What are you doing Henry?
Henry Wellesley: Writing a letter to my brother Richard. Now is there any messenger here that possibly knows their way around London?
Joseph Ney: Yes there is one messenger that knows their way around London.
Henry Wellesley: Good. Because they will have a job to do.

Henry Wellesley begins angrily writing the letter. While Joseph Ney sits down at his desk and begins reading some of his papers.

July 26th 1815

Hello, Richard, I have discovered what you have done. How dare you lie to the public and make them assume I died in battle. You think that you are so smart. You better hope that the people of London don't discover that you lied to them.

Oh, how I will also enjoy killing my dear brother Arthur in battle! I will be finally rid of him soon and I will be able to have some peace in my life. I will finally be the glorious one. I won't be sidelined anymore.

Also, good luck finding me after this war. I hope that we will never meet again. I wish to live out my days in France with my new friend who I am starting to consider to be my new brother Joseph.

Henry Wellesley

Henry folds up the letter then gets up off his bed and walks over to Joseph Neys desk. He then puts the ink well and quill down beside Joseph Ney who stares at Henry. Henry Wellesley calmly passes the letter to Joseph Ney who smiles a little bit. Joseph Ney starts speaking in a calm and slightly cheerful voice.

Joseph Ney: I shall go find the messenger.
Henry Wellesley: Thank you, Joseph.

Joseph Ney calmly gets up from his desk and exits his tent with the letter in hand. Henry Wellesley calmly walks over to his bed and lies down and slowly closes his eyes entering a deep and peaceful sleep.

To be Continued...