Sharpe

[after Sharpe has demanded that Colonel Bampfylde act civilly]

Bampfylde:
[to Jane] Evening, ma'am. I'm sorry to see you in such company. Sir, as I seem to have given you some offence, I shall be happy to give you satisfaction.

Sharpe:
Satisfaction? What does that mean?

Bampfylde:
It means I am calling you out, sir. A duel.

Sharpe:
Don't be a damn fool, sir. If Wellington catches you duelling, you'll be on the next ship back to England.

Bampfylde:
Wellington has his code, I have mine. [Sharpe chuckles] What does it take to make you fight me? Perhaps a glass of wine in the face? Harmer, will you act as my second?

[Harmer and Captain Frederickson join them]

Harmer:
Sir. What is your opponent's name?

Frederickson:
Sharpe. Of the 95th Rifles. Favoured of the Prince of Wales.

Harmer:
Is that the same Sharpe who shot three Dragoons while saving Wellington's life? The same Sharpe who took the Eagle at Talavera?

[Frederickson nods. Bampfylde is nervous. There is a long silence.]

de Maquerre:
May I intercede? Colonel Bampfylde is new in Spain. Field Marshall Wellington's views on duelling are very strict.

Bampfylde:
Absolutely. Major Sharpe, may I apologise for any offence I have caused you and the Lady?

[Sharpe doesn't answer]

de Maquerre:
Doesn't do to duel with your new commanding officer.

Sharpe:
Apology accepted. Sir.