...Ah. Sharpe didn't bother to hide his disappointment. But he did try to soothe his own bruised pride: easy come, easy go -- you gave it a shot, Sharpe.

He wrapped his fingers around his glass. The Major knew better than to push a proposition any further. He could've told her unequivocally that he didn't need anything serious. He'd take what she'd give him, but...

"I...understand, lass."

But if she wanted him, he thought, she wouldn't have answered this thusly.