Victorian Nocturne

Unused to civilian life after such a long time on an army base, Joachim preferred to dine among other military personnel when he could, and he had already realized that many of the clubs in the city would doubtlessly refuse to allow him entry. Officer or not, he was a brown man among much paler faces, and it hindered his digestion to be gawked at. The greeter at the door of the Army and Navy Club courteously saw him to a table, then left him to his own devices.

The Major ordered the braised lamb and a cup of tea, adding two cubes of sugar to the cup once it arrived. The night before he had slept halfway decently for a change, but he suspected the nightmares simply had yet to catch up with him here. Such things were not recovered from overnight. Never mind, though. As long as his heart continued to beat, he could muddle along until he was beyond this.

( Sharing a table )