Sharpe's Ransom p. 57-67 Summary

When Sharpe notes that the cogwheels are rusted, he complains that it will take a week to clean them, but Lucille says he will rest because Christmas is in two days and she will cook him a goose. She deliberately sways her hips as she gathers the wash since she knows he is watching. Sharpe returned to Normandy a year ago and has repaired the farmhouse on his half-pay as a retired British officer since the farm is not yet making a profit and it is dubious whether it ever will. As he holds his rifle and remembers, Lucille asks if he misses it, but Sharpe claims he was not thinking about the army and insists he must work on the cogwheels whether it is Christmas or not. Reminiscing, Lucille says the whole village would have helped...