Chapter Twenty Seven

As Eleanor heard the name "Colonel Frederick Smyth," a profound respect flickered in her eyes. She couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for this soldier who had endured the harsh realities of war.

"Colonel Frederick Smyth," she repeated softly, as if testing the weight of the name. "It suits you, my dear. A name with a sense of honor and resilience."

Frederick managed a weary smile, touched by the kindness in Eleanor's words. The weight of his experiences seemed to momentarily lift as he shared more about his life as a soldier, the camaraderie forged in the crucible of battle, and the challenges faced on the front lines.

“Are you married?" She asked out of the blue.

Frederick nods, and immediately his expression dims. His thoughts goes to Samara and how she must be feeling with his absence. What exactly was the information passed on to her concerning him? He thought grimly.

“Colonel?" He heard her call him out of his thoughts, her voice laced with worry. “Soon you'll be fit to go