Chapter 12 Summary

Had Lakshmibai been ugly and old and if Canning had not feared public opinion turning her into an Indian Joan of Arc, Flashy would have been spared suffering. Flashy finds the impregnable city walls encircled by British troops. Gen. Rose is confident the conquest will take a week and doubts that Lakshmibai will surrender. Giving Flashy the leery look that pious gentlemen give, Rose asks what she is like and gapes at the complex description. Flashy downplays the idea she may have a male harem.

For the next three days, while guns and mortars breach the wall and infantry stands ready to invade, Flashy weighs options. He pictures both the carnage in rooms where he has found pleasure and regular sex on a long voyage to Calcutta as Lakshmibai's guardian. Flashy suggests having a special platoon snatch her before the battle begins, but...