I'm so thrilled you like it! I'm not always sure that I'm not overloading with details - it seems a lot of people prefer really spare writing most of the time. But I'm really happy the little touches enhanced the piece - that's wonderful to hear. Bernard Cornwell did such a great job delineating the younger and older Sharpes, and I'd love to read more about young, wild Sharpe - Sharpe's Tiger is one of my favorites. Thanks a million for your lovely remarks - they gave me a true glow!