The captain smoked a cigar in the wheelhouse, pacing. She hadn't turned him away, but then she hadn't signaled acquiescence either. Who can understand how the feminine mind works? Perhaps he should've leaned down and kissed her delicate ankles or gradually moved the massage up those long legs which were constantly on public display in those handerchiefs she considered skirts. She had seemed so tense though; he could even feel it in her feet.
He tugged his ear in frustration. For a supposedly modern woman she could be terribly prim. Why had she removed her feet from his lap? A woman of his era who accepted such touch would be knowingly agreeing to much more. She was probably soaking her feet even now; he never should have mentioned that, never given her an easy way to end the moment.
He'd even read her blasted favorite romance, Pride and Prejudice, which left him wondering if the men in that book were red blooded. He had hoped to learn something of what approach appealed to her, but of course it was written by a woman and a spinster besides. Women were so indirect. It's a wonder civilization endured among these modern ladies who insisted on independence yet removed their feet with a mere thank you. A knock on the door raised his spirits; perhaps it was her! He called, "Come in!"
He tried to hide disappointment when Candy entered, carrying a cup of tea. "Martha sent this. She also said you can wash a cup surely. Oh, and Mom wants to talk to you. Whew, that cigar stinks!"
"Did she say what about?"
"Nope. I don't think you're in trouble though."
He laughed. "Where is your mother?"
"Typing. Always typing. Anyhow, Captain, goodnight. Don't you think a girl my age should be allowed to stay up later than her creepy little brother?"
"Perhaps the argument would reveal more maturity if you left out the word 'creepy.'"
"Hmm. Thanks Captain. I'll give it a try tomorrow."
"Good night, my girl."
She ran out as he sipped tea. He put out the cigar and smiled expectantly. She wanted to talk to him after the kids were in bed. He had commanded many a man, faced storms and pirates, he was more than able to take the woman he loved in his arms. Perhaps though, given Candy's reaction to his cigar, he should use a bit of mouthwash. Washing his teacup as well? In his era, a man could be a man and love a woman as well. He chuckled. Of course in his era, he hadn't been part of a family either.