Hello, Mr. Cornwell:

Just a quick question on the Waterloo battlefield. Do you have any idea what the name of the tavern Belle Alliance signified? I’ve searched the internet, and know the story that Blucher wanted to name the battle Belle Alliance for the various armies. But what did the original name commemorate? My husband (a Napoleon fanatic) very much enjoyed your ‘Waterloo’ book, and I am now reading the Sharpe Waterloo book. Are you going to the re-enactment festivities? I know you are involved in preserving Hougoumont—a very worthy cause. Thank you.

Betty Pannick