"Honestly, you girls are quite pathetic. Acting like a pair of children!"

"Oh lighten up you old maid!" cried Belle, darting around her friend and running up the stairs to the foredeck, leaning over the rail. Giggling madly Lilly followed her, closely avoiding capture by a furious looking Cate.

"Isabelle Dalton, come down here at once!" Belle gave an exasperated sigh.

"Yes nanny."

"Don't give me that. I promised your father that I'd keep a close eye on you, making sure that you were on your best behaviour on this journey. We are being watched closely!"

"I'll say," murmured Lilly, nodding to the assortment of crew that was, subtly, reviewing the girls' every move.

"What do you make of him, Miss Watts?" said Belle softly out of the corner of her mouth, hinting at the sandy haired officer who was making every effort not to gawk.

"I believe, as do you, that he can't take his eyes off you," Lilly said, stifling a giggle.

"That's quite enough! Really!"

"Oh Catherine, for someone only a few months into adulthood you are quite dull."

"Belle…"

"Ladies, forgive my intrusion, but the captain is coming aboard."

"Thankyou sir," said Cate with a polite nod of acknowledgment. Belle waited til the young midshipman had left earshot to say,

"Very proper, Miss Manners."

"Oh, shut up."

The trio stood waiting to meet their captain. They were quite an awe-inspiring sight on deck. Cate, the oldest and supposedly wisest stood slightly forward of the other two, her mousy brown hair worked into ringlets and piled neatly beneath her bonnet, light blue to match her dress. Immediately behind her in a pale brown dress was Lilly, who would most likely have behaved more responsibly if not for her friend, Belle. Belle had a slightly crooked smile on her face and a sparkle in her dark eyes could captivate anyone and everyone. She stood behind Cate in a cruel mimic of her posture and haughty expression. Her clothes were far plainer than Cate's, yet something in the way she stood conveyed an elegance that the other would never achieve.

The shrill call of the Bosun's whistle sounded and the black hat of a captain rose over the side of the ship. The tall dark haired captain acknowledged his officers, and it was at this point that a polite cough from one of them focused his attention on the three girls. In a deep, polite voice the captain spoke.

"To whom do I have the honour of addressing as Lady Cunningham?"

"I am Lady Cunningham," said Cate, "An honour, Captain…"

"Horatio Hornblower. The honour is mine, Lady Cunningham."

"Captain, may I introduce Miss Lillian Watts and Miss Isabelle Dalton. My companions."

"Captain," curtseyed Lilly and Belle in unison, a picture of grace.

"Ladies, we will be sailing presently. For the time being may I suggest you retire to your cabin, until we are underway? After that, I would be delighted to have the honour of your company at dinner."

"That would be most pleasant captain, thankyou."

"In that case I will have Lieutenant Kennedy show you to your quarters."

Lilly nudged Belle's arm as the sandy haired officer was beckoned forward to take them below.

"Do you know, Miss Dalton," whispered Lilly, "I don't believe this trip will be so very boring after all."

Archie Kennedy, for all his glib remarks and comments, remained silent for the enitre eight minutes it took him to direct the girls to their cabin.

"Thankyou Lieutenant," said Belle with a smile after the other two had entered.

"My pleasure Miss Dalton. If there's anything I can do for you, just… let me know."

"I will. Thankyou again sir," she said, shutting the door behind her.

"And what exactly was that?" asked Cate indignantly.

"That, Lady Cunningham, was common courtesy. I believe it's all the rage amongst your class."

"Please don't start that again Isabelle. Just promise me you'll be on your best behaviour."

"Oh, what is your fixation with good behaviour?" moaned Belle, flopping down on the largest bunk. "I swear Catherine, you will make me quite deranged!"

"Belle, go easy on her. She's just jealous that with her forthcoming engagement a little harmless flirting is quite out of the question!" Cate's face darkened.

"You wouldn't dare. Isabelle if I hear one word of you-"

"Oh you needn't worry my Lady. I'll be quite discrete."

"Belle you know you can't-"

"Why ever not? After all, I'm not the one getting married."

On the deck of the Renown all men were to stations and the ship had set sail. Archie stood by Horatio on the foredeck, surveying the activity.

"Remind me Horatio, why on earth three young women have taken over the best wardroom? I trust this is not a new initiative by the Royal Navy to boost morale?" Hornblower grinned at his lieutenant's humour.

"Hardly, Archie. Lady Cunningham is the daughter of Lord Cunningham, a man who has served the navy well for many years. We are escorting her, as well as her companions, to Kingston where she is to marry the Earl of Edrington."

"Edrington? Poor girl. I wouldn't wish him on anyone."

"Now Archie, he's a fine man with a good position."

"And a large income." Horatio rolled his eyes and focused his attention on the ship's course.

"So… what of the other two?"

"The other two what?"

"The other two girls accompanying Lady Cunningham."

"Is this personal interest or idle curiosity?"

"The idlest."

"An idle mind is the devil's playground Mr Kennedy. I suggest you find something more useful to fill out your days. If you find yourself taskless I would be more than happy to see to it you have more to do."

"I believe it's "idle hands" Horatio, and good manners forbid me to say where that takes my mind."

"The two girls are, I presume, friends of Lady Cunningham, accompanying her on the wishes of their parents. They most likely have marriages arranged in Jamaica, or will go into employment as governesses. I'm not entirely sure of their standing."

"How old would you say they are?"

"I couldn't say; I'm dreadful at guessing ages. I believe Lady Cunningham is 21, so I would put Miss Watts at 19 or 20 and Miss Dalton at about 17."

"It is odd, surely, that the daughter of a Lord should be escorted by girls younger than herself?"

"Archie I don't pretend to understand these things. Ask her yourself. Just..."

"Yes?"

"Be discrete. Lady Cunninghma makes me feel most uncomfortable." Archie laughed.

"Horatio, please. When have I been anything but the picture of discretion?"