There, he ordered a bottle of red wine and sat in his room, sipping a glass and staring out at the village square. People came and went, but he saw none of them. His thoughts were still filled with the lovely Mrs Perriman.When Alfred came upstairs, to see if the Captain had any orders for him, any plans for the following day. he found his master uncharacteristically quiet. This raised his spirits considerably.The Captain only behaved in a heedless, roistering fashion when he was upset about something, usually something connected with his home or his family in England. Perhaps the fit of gloom was passing. Alfred certainly hoped so. He was getting too old for these late nights and drunken capers. As was his master.‘Sit down and have a drink with me,’ Charles ordered abruptly.‘Happy to, sir.’ Alfred poured himself half a glass and sat back, prepared for the confidences that usually ensued in this sort of situation.Quietly, Charles began to talk, confiding in the servant who had been with him so long.
