Three Days Later...
"I'm so happy for you!" Gloriana Seton-Harlowe greeted her friend's news with delight, "to be courted by a naval officer. You, lucky thing, you."
Leigha smiled serenely and poured the tea. She didn't try to respond because she knew Glory had yet to finish speaking.
"Is he handsome? Oh, of course, he's handsome. All men in uniform are handsome, even the ugly ones." Glory rambled on enthusiastically, her Virginian twang floating musically about the drawing-room. "How are Genevieve and Leona taking this? Probably not very well, Good! They both deserve the set-down, after all they've put you through. So, tell me about your Mr. Kennedy."
"He is handsome, Glory." Leigha said fondly, "He's tall and blonde with beautiful sapphire eyes that you can drown in. And his smile! Oh, Glory, you should see his smile."
"He sounds delicious, but is he intelligent?" She asked seriously, "I know you well enough to realize that you wouldn't respect a stupid man."
"Yes, Glory, he's very intelligent."
"Then I'm doubly happy for you, sweeting. Of course, I always knew you would land a handsome man."
Leigha looked at Glory in surprise, "Well, then you expected more than I."
"Fustian," she waved her hand dissuasively, "you, my dearest friend, have absolutely no faith in yourself. It's a good thing I'm around. Genny and Leona have beauty, true, but they have no personality; therefore, there is nothing to recommend them. You, my love, are brimming with life, wit and charm; so, you are ten times more lovely than the two Gorgons!"
"Gloriana," Leigha scolded mildly, "you are terrible!"
Glory just smiled and sipped her tea, her green-eyes sparkling over the rim. Leigha opened her mouth to say something more, but was interrupted by Buckston, the butler, who announced the arrival of guests.
"Miss Sommes, Mr. Kennedy is here and he a young gentleman, a Mr. Hornblower, with him."
"Show them in, Buckston." Then in an aside to Glory, "This must be Archie's best friend, Horatio."
Leigha and Glory stood up to receive the gentlemen as they came in. Introductions were made and then Archie took Leigha's hands and apologized for interrupting, "I was unaware you had company."
Leigha smiled and squeezed his hand, " 'Tis all right, Archie. We were just having tea, would you care to join us?"
"Yes, thank you," Horatio said with a shy smile, his stomach already growling at the thought of fresh tea and homemade crumpets, preserves and sandwiches.
He kept his gaze on Gloriana, who smiled back politely. Glory was tall and fairy-slim with lovely sea-green eyes and a mass of titian curls arranged under a charming confection of a hat. Her skin was the flawless alabaster that English ladies found fashionable and did everything in the world to achieve. Her laugh was musical and her accent lyrical.
"Suh," she asked Horatio, "are you a shipmate of Mr. Kennedy's"
"Uh, y-yes," Horatio stammered and colored before geeting hmself in hand, "we met as Midshipmen aboard the Justinian."
"And are you the same rank?"
"Yes, Mam...though I have more seniority as a Lieutenant."
"Wonderful," Glory smiled at him, "Would you like a cucumber sandwich, suh?"
Horatio looked puzzled at the quicksilver change of subject and grabbed a sandwich without realizing it. Leigha chuckled softly at the expressions on both Horatio and Archie's faces, she knew Glory had that effect on everyone who didn't know her well enough to be used to her. Gloriana was the only person she knew who had the ability to hold three conversations at one time.
"So tell me, suh, how long have you been in the navy?"
"For four years, Madame."
"And do you enjoy it?"
"Oh, yes, yes I do!" Horatio replied his eyes lighting up, "I couldn't see myself doing anything else, Miss Seton-Harlowe."
"Oh, heavens to Betsy, suh," Glory exclaimed, "you need not mumble that mouthful every time you address me. Miss Glory, is perfectly fine."
"Yes, Mam."
"And NO Mam, it makes me feel old. My Aunt Sela is a Mam, I am not."
Horatio and Archie exchanged amused glances, but before either could reply Genevieve floated into the room. She looked absolutely ravishing in a yellow muslin gown that flattered her blonde coloring. They both stood and bowed at her entrance, but only Horatio's gaze lingered appreciatively.
Seeing the look upon his face, Glory sighed in disgust and rolled her eyes. Leigha smothered a giggle behind her hand. Archie shook his head in bemused dismay, and Genny looked supremely satisfied with herself.
"Mr. Hornblower," Leigha introduced after receiving a displeased look from Genny, "this is Genevieve D'Armond, my aunt by marriage. Genny, this is Lt. Horatio Hornblower, Archie's friend and shipmate."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss D'Armond."
"Of course, it is."
Horatio blinked in surprise. No, she couldn't have meant it in that way. Could she?
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"Ugh," Archie grimaced at Leigha, "I never thought we'd escape the Queen Bee."
"It was rather kind of Glory to suggest we go for a walk." Leigha replied, "But I wonder if she'll survive the gesture?"
"Well, I don't think Horatio will complain one bit. He couldn't keep his eyes off of Genny. I really need to teach him something about women."
"Oh, do you now, Lieutenant? And will you be taking the practical method and using examples?" Leigha asked, her hands on her hips and the toe of one shoe tapping in warning.
Archie smiled mischievously, "I'll only use the best examples of womankind, my dear elf."
"Really? Who might that be?" Leigha simpered in an imitation of Genny and patted her hair.
"Why, my mother, of course." Archie said innocently.
"Oh, you!" Leigha exclaimed and punched Archie in the arm. He caught her hand and placed a loving kiss upon it before tucking it into the crook of his arm.
They walked through the garden, a companionable silence stretched between them. Every now and then, Archie would stroke the delicate fingers that rested lightly on his sleeve and watch, with admiration, the way the sunlight would play with the highlights in her hair and the way it kissed the soft curve of her cheek.
"I'm glad you're not as lovely as Genevieve." He suddenly blurted put.
Leigha glanced over in surprise.
"I maen," he explained, "that she's beautiful and draws all the attention. Men overlook you and that's perfect with me. I don't have to fight through a crowd to spend some time with you. 'Sides, you're kind of my own special secret and I'd like to keep you and your charms all to myself."
"Archie, that's the sweetest backhanded compliment I have ever received." Leigha teased
Archie smiled back at her, then swept her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
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"Leigha! Mr. Kennedy! Leigh...oh, good gracious!" Glory broke off as she flew around a hedge in her search for them.
Horatio, who had heard the story of their first kiss from Archie, laughingly teased, "Are you two going to make a habit of getting caught in the act?"
"Shut up, Horatio."
"Where's Genny?" Leigha asked trying to change the subject, but became alarmed when she caught the look on Glory's face.
"She's changing." Horatio answered casting an accusing glance towards Glory.
"Oh?" questioned Leigha.
Glory shrugged and said with an innocent air, "You know how clumsy ah am sometimes. Was it my fault ah tripped ovah my skirt hem and accidentally smeared strawberry preserves on her gown?"
"Oh, Glory..." Leigha sighed.
"That wasn't the worst part," Horatio continued, "while to trying to set herself upright, Miss Gloriana here, managed to somehow get the preserves into Miss D'Armond's hair as well."
Archie chuckled but quickly stifled it after Leigha shot him a warning glare. "Don't encourage her," she hissed.
Horatio looked pensive for a while before he remarked, "The way she carried on, you might have thought it was a huge catastrophe."
"To her it was. Perfection undone, merciful heavens' save us all." Glory muttered under her breath.
Horatio glanced at her quellingly and Glory stared right back in defiance.
"My God, you colonists are wild and...and barbarous!" Horatio exclaimed walking off.
"Colonist? We are Americans, after all we won the damned war! You just remember that, suh!" Glory retorted as she followed him down the path.
"You don't even talk like a proper lady!"
"Oh, just yank that stick out of your..." Glory's last word trailed off as they got out of hearing range.
Archie and Leigha stared at each other in consternation. What had they missed? Then in wordless agreement, they hurried down the path after the two opponents.
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Interlude
Archie and Horatio sat at a table at the Golden Hart Inn, both quaffing ale from huge mugs and enjoying a repast of fresh beef and potatoes.
"This," said Archie, closing his eyes and patting his stomach in satisfaction, "is heaven. I'm almost loathed to go back to the Indy and it's rations of rum, salted meats and weevilly biscuits."
"Is "weevilly" even a word, Archie?" Horatio asked as he, too, leaned back in his chair and sighed in pleasure.
"It is now." Archie replied with a grin, "So, H'ratio, what think you of my Leigha, eh?"
"She's delightful, Archie, but I'm surprised. She hardly seems your...er...type."
"What do you mean by that?" Archie asked with a scowl.
"Now don't go taking my head off," Horatio held up a hand placatingly, "I merely meant that you usually tend to lose your head over the, well, over the prettier sort of girl."
"Maybe I've realized that a man needs more than a pretty face to satisfy him."
"Yes, like maybe £10,000 per annum?" Horatio snorted and received a glare from Archie in response.
"No, Mr. Hornblower, I am NOT after her money, damn you! I happen to truly care for the girl," Archie replied in restrained anger, "maybe all you see is someone who is not a "diamond of the first water", but I see a very sweet and wonderful lady. Someone who has more to offer a man than just looks and an empty head."
"I'm sorry, Archie," Horatio murmured in shame, "that was unforgivable of me."
"She makes me laugh, H'ratio." Archie said softly, "She infuriates me at times, damned girl doesn't know how to take a compliment, but she doesn't bore me. The other's, the pretty ones I admired, they always managed to bore me after a while."
"I like her. No, I really do, Archie," Horatio admitted, "but she could use better sense when it comes to choosing her friends."
Archie glanced at him and started laughing uncontrollably. Heads turned in their direction and ladies sighed over the mirthful countenance of one officer and the displeased puzzlement of the other.
"Archie! Stop that! You're causing people to stare!" Horatio hissed, "What is so bloody funny?"
"Oh, 'Ratio!" Archie exclaimed, "I never thought I'd see the day when you would lose your damnable composure towards a lady! I mean, and God and Captain Pellew knows, that your no ladies man, but the way you snapped and snarled at Miss Gloriana, how unlike you! I remember hearing Major Edrington say that you once protected the feeling of a lady by declaring that 'you hoped that you would always treat a lady with respect'!"
"That Gloriana Seton-Harlowe is no lady. She's trouble, Archie. Mark my words, she'll bring some poor fellow foolish enough to court her, no end of it. Why, she embarrassed poor Miss D'Armond out of spite. That was no accident, Archie."
Archie sobered at his friend's defense of Genny. "Better put an end to it now, before Horatio finds himself in over his head." He thought to himself. He looked at his shipmate and said seriously, "No, H'ratio, there is nothing "poor" about Genevieve D'Armond. She's petty, selfish, and thoroughly self-absorbed. It causes her no end of delight to heap pain and humiliation upon Leigha's head and she cares not one wit how or who she does it in front of. No, No, my friend, cast your eyes elsewhere."
"Archie, she can't be that bad. Maybe you misunderstand her?"
"No, Miss D'Armond is a she-wolf in sheep's clothing."
"Jesus, that's harsh." Horatio protested.
"I have seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears. Upon my word, H'ratio, I tell you the truth."
"I believe you, Archie."
They sat in silence for a little while, and as Archie signaled the serving girl over to refill their mugs, Horatio ventured to ask, "Archie? How serious are you about Miss Sommes?"
Archie just smiled at him and took a deep drink of his ale before answering, "Serious enough, my friend, serious enough."
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Genevieve sat in front of her mirror brushing out her blonde locks. One hundred strokes, faithfully, every night and she did them, not her maid.
She stopped midstroke and glanced at her reflection. She studied her face very carefully. SHe had no flaws that she could see, Her skin was clear and perfect. Her eyes a brilliant blue. Her nose well defined. Her lips, full and pouty. Her teeth, white and straight; and her figure, well, her figure was marvelous. Slim and rounded in all the right places.
"What's wrong with me then?" She asked herself, "Why is that little troll being courted by Mr. Kennedy? It sould be me, not her, that gets his attention! Why does he ignore me?"
The more she thought about the imagined insult being heaped upon her by Archie and Leigha, the angrier she became. Suddenly she smiled, vicously, as a plan came to her.
"Oh, yes," she thought, "I'll have my revenge, sweet little Leigha. Enjoy your happiness while you can...I guarantee it won't last long."
***************************************************************
One Week Later...
Archie lay on the blanket with his head cushioned on Leigha's thigh, he played with the end of her long braid and watched her face as she glanced over at Glory and Horatio. They had both decided to call a truce so Leigha and Archie could enjoy the picnic without having to play referees. So far, they had behaved themselves. There was only one tense moment when peace was threatened and Glory, gleefully, took responsibility for the shakeup.
It happened during the meal, Horatio had just taken a bite of a wonderful, sweet bread that he had never tried before.
"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, closing his eyes and savoring the morsel, "I have never tasted anything like it. What is it, Leigha?"
"It's a corn pone," Glory answered him, instead.
"A corn porn?" Horatio asked with a frown at the unusual name.
"Yes, corn pone. It's made of flour, corn meal, sugah, and buttermilk." She said, then added with a devilish gleam in her eyes, "It's American, suh, from the southern states."
"It's delicious. I must hand it to you, Americans, you sure are inventive." He replied, his eyes also gleaming.
"Ah'm surprised you like it, with your dislike of us 'barbarous Colonist,' Ah fully expected you to spit it out and declare it unfit for consumption."
"I don't dislike all Colonist, Miss Gloriana," Horatio said with a slight smile, "just you."
"Feelings are quite mutual, Mistah Hornblower. Ah don't understand you English gentlemen at all. Every one of you, with the exception of Archie, are all prigs. And you, suh, are the worst of the lot."
"Well, if you are any example of the flower of American womanhood...I say, good riddance to the entire continent!" he retorted.
"STOP!!" Leigha bellowed, in such a manner that it would have brought a smile of approval from Captain Pellew himself. "You promised a truce. Now be still, the both of you!"
"H'ratio, why don't you take Glory for a stroll around the park," Archie suggested.
"Me? Walk with *her*? You've got to be joking?"
"Does it look like I'm joking? Really, Mr. Hornblower, go on. It won't kill you...and if it does, I promise to avenge you."
"Very funny, Mr. Kennedy." Horatio muttered, casting Archie a glare, "This really isn't a good idea, Archie."
"Are you chicken, Mr. Hornblower?" Glory taunted, "I am completely unarmed, I assure you."
"Ha! Until they sew your mouth closed, you'll never be completely unarmed." Horatio growled, but he rose and held out his hand to help Glory stand.
As they walked away, Archie smiled and shook his head, "I have no clue as to why, but your friend seems to bring out the worst in Horatio."
"I wish I could say the same, but Glory is Glory. Though, she does seem to take more of a fiendish delight in baiting him."
That was over an hour ago, and they hadn't heard nor seen anything of the two since then.
"Leigha, stop worrying. They haven't fought in over an hour, and I doubt the silence means they've done away with each other." Archie teased, giving Leigha's braid a gentle tug. She smiled down at him and smoothed a lock of hair off his brow.
"Ahhhhhh..." he sighed, "I'm going to miss this."
"Will you be leaving soon, Archie?"
"Aye, probably within the next three or four weeks. Horatio and I are expecting our summons any time now. The Indy is almost completely repaired, those damned Frogs really did a number on her this time."
"So soon? Oh, Archie," Leigha said sadly, "I shall miss you terribly."
"Here now," he replied, smiling up at her tenderly, "I haven't gone yet, Elf. Please don't let this ruin our day together. We should enjoy what time we have left. Really, if you're going to be a Naval Sweetheart, you'll have to learn to be brave at the prospect of our parting, for as long as the war goes on, it'll be frequent."
"Am I your sweetheart, Archie?" she asked ingenuously.
"Typical female, only hear what you want to hear." He laughed, then asked seriously, "Do you wish to be?"
"With all my heart!" She exclaimed in delight.
"Then, yes, Elf, your my sweetheart and damned lucky to be. Just think, scores of women clamoring for my affections, and you are the lucky lady who wins them."
"Scores, Lieutenant?" Leigha scoffed, giving his hair a hard yank. "You've had too much wine, sir. You're delusional."
Archie laughed and rubbed the tender spot on his head. "You know, Elf, I've noticed you have quite a temper there. Whenever it's directed at me, you have a tendency to call me Lieutenant."
"Really, Lieutenant? How very astute, you are." Leigha sniffed, but she couldn't keep the smile from her lips.
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Horatio and Glory walked along in silence. Every now and then, Glory would stop to add another flower to her bouquet.
"How old are you?" Horatio asked from out of the blue.
She turned and looked up at him with an arched brow, "My dear, old Granny says, 'a lady should never reveal her true age.' "
"You're hardly your dear, *old* granny, so I don't think there is any point to hiding your age."
"Ah turn twenty this November, suh."
"Fancy that, nineteen and still unwed. Couldn't find anyone willing to have your tongue sharpened on him on a daily basis?"
"For your information, Ah have turned down five marriage proposals since my arrival in England, 8 months ago."
"Five, Miss Gloriana? I had no idea there were *that* many deaf gentlemen in London all at one time."
The stunned look on her face was enough to keep Horatio in rapture for the rest of the day. She was shocked speechless, a first for Glory, and not at all a pleasant sensation. Usually, it was the other way around.
"Cat caught your tongue, Miss Glory?" Horatio goaded, grinning from ear to ear.
"You, suh, are no gentlemen." Glory retorted as she turned and walked away in a fury.
"No response? I suppose this means that I win this round?"
"Go to hell, Mr. Hornblower!"
Horatio followed behind her, chuckling in delight.
****************************************************************
By this time, Archie had coaxed Leigha to lay beside him on the blanket. She had her head resting in his shoulder and they stared up at the clouds and pointed out shapes to each other.
"Look, there's the Indy." Archie pointed to a large cloud.
"How do you know that's the Indy? It could be any ship." Leigha teased.
"Nonsense, there *is* no other ship but the Indefatigable."
"Is my rival to be a ship, then? How can I compete with that? I have not the proud carriage nor the sleek lines. Alas, my dear sir, you are lost to me." Leigha said in dramatic tones.
Archie rolled so that he lay half atop her and her breath caught in her throat at the grin on his face and the look in his eyes.
"Oh, my sweet, sweet little elf, you have no rival. True, the Indy may be a mistress, but you will always be my true north. She cannot hold me forever, maybe steal me from your side for a while, but I'll always come back to you."
"Archie," she breathed as her throat closed on a little sob of hope, "is that a declaration? Do you love me? Can you find it in your heart to love someone like me?"
"Someone like you, Leigha? If you mean, can I love someone as sweet, as charming, as lovely, as delectable as you? I'll say, 'of course I can' and I do. Elf, I do love you. I only hope the sentiment is returned."
For an answer, she pulled his head down to hers and seized his lips in a kiss of joy and tender passion. He responded eagerly, and quickly brought a new element to the kiss: lust.
She gasped in wonder and the in shock as she felt his hand travel over her throat, breast, stomach and hip. The shock quickly turned to pleasure as his hand rested gently against her thigh. He pulled away from her lips and rained fiery kisses down her throat. He impatiently removed the fiche away from the low decollete of her gown and planted kisses against the exposed flesh. She cried out in startled pleasure when she felt the heat of his hand against the bare skin of her thigh, just above her stocking.
Suddenly, he stopped. She looked at him in dazed disappointment. He lightly chuckled, kissed the tip of her nose and, with shaking hands, straightened her gown.
"I hear Horatio and Glory returning," he explained when he saw the question, and hurt, in her eyes.
"Oh, " she silently mouthed and blushed bright red.
"I think it best if you sit close to me and spread your skirt across my lap." He said with another chuckle and it became a full-fledged laugh when he watched her eyes travel to the front of his breeches and her cheeks and throat pinked even further at what she beheld.
"Come now, Elf, compose yourself, or one will think you've been up to something naughty." He teased. Then said as he glanced over her shoulder, "Oh, there you two are. Still in one piece, I see."
"I'm so happy for you!" Gloriana Seton-Harlowe greeted her friend's news with delight, "to be courted by a naval officer. You, lucky thing, you."
Leigha smiled serenely and poured the tea. She didn't try to respond because she knew Glory had yet to finish speaking.
"Is he handsome? Oh, of course, he's handsome. All men in uniform are handsome, even the ugly ones." Glory rambled on enthusiastically, her Virginian twang floating musically about the drawing-room. "How are Genevieve and Leona taking this? Probably not very well, Good! They both deserve the set-down, after all they've put you through. So, tell me about your Mr. Kennedy."
"He is handsome, Glory." Leigha said fondly, "He's tall and blonde with beautiful sapphire eyes that you can drown in. And his smile! Oh, Glory, you should see his smile."
"He sounds delicious, but is he intelligent?" She asked seriously, "I know you well enough to realize that you wouldn't respect a stupid man."
"Yes, Glory, he's very intelligent."
"Then I'm doubly happy for you, sweeting. Of course, I always knew you would land a handsome man."
Leigha looked at Glory in surprise, "Well, then you expected more than I."
"Fustian," she waved her hand dissuasively, "you, my dearest friend, have absolutely no faith in yourself. It's a good thing I'm around. Genny and Leona have beauty, true, but they have no personality; therefore, there is nothing to recommend them. You, my love, are brimming with life, wit and charm; so, you are ten times more lovely than the two Gorgons!"
"Gloriana," Leigha scolded mildly, "you are terrible!"
Glory just smiled and sipped her tea, her green-eyes sparkling over the rim. Leigha opened her mouth to say something more, but was interrupted by Buckston, the butler, who announced the arrival of guests.
"Miss Sommes, Mr. Kennedy is here and he a young gentleman, a Mr. Hornblower, with him."
"Show them in, Buckston." Then in an aside to Glory, "This must be Archie's best friend, Horatio."
Leigha and Glory stood up to receive the gentlemen as they came in. Introductions were made and then Archie took Leigha's hands and apologized for interrupting, "I was unaware you had company."
Leigha smiled and squeezed his hand, " 'Tis all right, Archie. We were just having tea, would you care to join us?"
"Yes, thank you," Horatio said with a shy smile, his stomach already growling at the thought of fresh tea and homemade crumpets, preserves and sandwiches.
He kept his gaze on Gloriana, who smiled back politely. Glory was tall and fairy-slim with lovely sea-green eyes and a mass of titian curls arranged under a charming confection of a hat. Her skin was the flawless alabaster that English ladies found fashionable and did everything in the world to achieve. Her laugh was musical and her accent lyrical.
"Suh," she asked Horatio, "are you a shipmate of Mr. Kennedy's"
"Uh, y-yes," Horatio stammered and colored before geeting hmself in hand, "we met as Midshipmen aboard the Justinian."
"And are you the same rank?"
"Yes, Mam...though I have more seniority as a Lieutenant."
"Wonderful," Glory smiled at him, "Would you like a cucumber sandwich, suh?"
Horatio looked puzzled at the quicksilver change of subject and grabbed a sandwich without realizing it. Leigha chuckled softly at the expressions on both Horatio and Archie's faces, she knew Glory had that effect on everyone who didn't know her well enough to be used to her. Gloriana was the only person she knew who had the ability to hold three conversations at one time.
"So tell me, suh, how long have you been in the navy?"
"For four years, Madame."
"And do you enjoy it?"
"Oh, yes, yes I do!" Horatio replied his eyes lighting up, "I couldn't see myself doing anything else, Miss Seton-Harlowe."
"Oh, heavens to Betsy, suh," Glory exclaimed, "you need not mumble that mouthful every time you address me. Miss Glory, is perfectly fine."
"Yes, Mam."
"And NO Mam, it makes me feel old. My Aunt Sela is a Mam, I am not."
Horatio and Archie exchanged amused glances, but before either could reply Genevieve floated into the room. She looked absolutely ravishing in a yellow muslin gown that flattered her blonde coloring. They both stood and bowed at her entrance, but only Horatio's gaze lingered appreciatively.
Seeing the look upon his face, Glory sighed in disgust and rolled her eyes. Leigha smothered a giggle behind her hand. Archie shook his head in bemused dismay, and Genny looked supremely satisfied with herself.
"Mr. Hornblower," Leigha introduced after receiving a displeased look from Genny, "this is Genevieve D'Armond, my aunt by marriage. Genny, this is Lt. Horatio Hornblower, Archie's friend and shipmate."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss D'Armond."
"Of course, it is."
Horatio blinked in surprise. No, she couldn't have meant it in that way. Could she?
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"Ugh," Archie grimaced at Leigha, "I never thought we'd escape the Queen Bee."
"It was rather kind of Glory to suggest we go for a walk." Leigha replied, "But I wonder if she'll survive the gesture?"
"Well, I don't think Horatio will complain one bit. He couldn't keep his eyes off of Genny. I really need to teach him something about women."
"Oh, do you now, Lieutenant? And will you be taking the practical method and using examples?" Leigha asked, her hands on her hips and the toe of one shoe tapping in warning.
Archie smiled mischievously, "I'll only use the best examples of womankind, my dear elf."
"Really? Who might that be?" Leigha simpered in an imitation of Genny and patted her hair.
"Why, my mother, of course." Archie said innocently.
"Oh, you!" Leigha exclaimed and punched Archie in the arm. He caught her hand and placed a loving kiss upon it before tucking it into the crook of his arm.
They walked through the garden, a companionable silence stretched between them. Every now and then, Archie would stroke the delicate fingers that rested lightly on his sleeve and watch, with admiration, the way the sunlight would play with the highlights in her hair and the way it kissed the soft curve of her cheek.
"I'm glad you're not as lovely as Genevieve." He suddenly blurted put.
Leigha glanced over in surprise.
"I maen," he explained, "that she's beautiful and draws all the attention. Men overlook you and that's perfect with me. I don't have to fight through a crowd to spend some time with you. 'Sides, you're kind of my own special secret and I'd like to keep you and your charms all to myself."
"Archie, that's the sweetest backhanded compliment I have ever received." Leigha teased
Archie smiled back at her, then swept her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly.
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"Leigha! Mr. Kennedy! Leigh...oh, good gracious!" Glory broke off as she flew around a hedge in her search for them.
Horatio, who had heard the story of their first kiss from Archie, laughingly teased, "Are you two going to make a habit of getting caught in the act?"
"Shut up, Horatio."
"Where's Genny?" Leigha asked trying to change the subject, but became alarmed when she caught the look on Glory's face.
"She's changing." Horatio answered casting an accusing glance towards Glory.
"Oh?" questioned Leigha.
Glory shrugged and said with an innocent air, "You know how clumsy ah am sometimes. Was it my fault ah tripped ovah my skirt hem and accidentally smeared strawberry preserves on her gown?"
"Oh, Glory..." Leigha sighed.
"That wasn't the worst part," Horatio continued, "while to trying to set herself upright, Miss Gloriana here, managed to somehow get the preserves into Miss D'Armond's hair as well."
Archie chuckled but quickly stifled it after Leigha shot him a warning glare. "Don't encourage her," she hissed.
Horatio looked pensive for a while before he remarked, "The way she carried on, you might have thought it was a huge catastrophe."
"To her it was. Perfection undone, merciful heavens' save us all." Glory muttered under her breath.
Horatio glanced at her quellingly and Glory stared right back in defiance.
"My God, you colonists are wild and...and barbarous!" Horatio exclaimed walking off.
"Colonist? We are Americans, after all we won the damned war! You just remember that, suh!" Glory retorted as she followed him down the path.
"You don't even talk like a proper lady!"
"Oh, just yank that stick out of your..." Glory's last word trailed off as they got out of hearing range.
Archie and Leigha stared at each other in consternation. What had they missed? Then in wordless agreement, they hurried down the path after the two opponents.
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Interlude
Archie and Horatio sat at a table at the Golden Hart Inn, both quaffing ale from huge mugs and enjoying a repast of fresh beef and potatoes.
"This," said Archie, closing his eyes and patting his stomach in satisfaction, "is heaven. I'm almost loathed to go back to the Indy and it's rations of rum, salted meats and weevilly biscuits."
"Is "weevilly" even a word, Archie?" Horatio asked as he, too, leaned back in his chair and sighed in pleasure.
"It is now." Archie replied with a grin, "So, H'ratio, what think you of my Leigha, eh?"
"She's delightful, Archie, but I'm surprised. She hardly seems your...er...type."
"What do you mean by that?" Archie asked with a scowl.
"Now don't go taking my head off," Horatio held up a hand placatingly, "I merely meant that you usually tend to lose your head over the, well, over the prettier sort of girl."
"Maybe I've realized that a man needs more than a pretty face to satisfy him."
"Yes, like maybe £10,000 per annum?" Horatio snorted and received a glare from Archie in response.
"No, Mr. Hornblower, I am NOT after her money, damn you! I happen to truly care for the girl," Archie replied in restrained anger, "maybe all you see is someone who is not a "diamond of the first water", but I see a very sweet and wonderful lady. Someone who has more to offer a man than just looks and an empty head."
"I'm sorry, Archie," Horatio murmured in shame, "that was unforgivable of me."
"She makes me laugh, H'ratio." Archie said softly, "She infuriates me at times, damned girl doesn't know how to take a compliment, but she doesn't bore me. The other's, the pretty ones I admired, they always managed to bore me after a while."
"I like her. No, I really do, Archie," Horatio admitted, "but she could use better sense when it comes to choosing her friends."
Archie glanced at him and started laughing uncontrollably. Heads turned in their direction and ladies sighed over the mirthful countenance of one officer and the displeased puzzlement of the other.
"Archie! Stop that! You're causing people to stare!" Horatio hissed, "What is so bloody funny?"
"Oh, 'Ratio!" Archie exclaimed, "I never thought I'd see the day when you would lose your damnable composure towards a lady! I mean, and God and Captain Pellew knows, that your no ladies man, but the way you snapped and snarled at Miss Gloriana, how unlike you! I remember hearing Major Edrington say that you once protected the feeling of a lady by declaring that 'you hoped that you would always treat a lady with respect'!"
"That Gloriana Seton-Harlowe is no lady. She's trouble, Archie. Mark my words, she'll bring some poor fellow foolish enough to court her, no end of it. Why, she embarrassed poor Miss D'Armond out of spite. That was no accident, Archie."
Archie sobered at his friend's defense of Genny. "Better put an end to it now, before Horatio finds himself in over his head." He thought to himself. He looked at his shipmate and said seriously, "No, H'ratio, there is nothing "poor" about Genevieve D'Armond. She's petty, selfish, and thoroughly self-absorbed. It causes her no end of delight to heap pain and humiliation upon Leigha's head and she cares not one wit how or who she does it in front of. No, No, my friend, cast your eyes elsewhere."
"Archie, she can't be that bad. Maybe you misunderstand her?"
"No, Miss D'Armond is a she-wolf in sheep's clothing."
"Jesus, that's harsh." Horatio protested.
"I have seen with my own eyes and heard with my own ears. Upon my word, H'ratio, I tell you the truth."
"I believe you, Archie."
They sat in silence for a little while, and as Archie signaled the serving girl over to refill their mugs, Horatio ventured to ask, "Archie? How serious are you about Miss Sommes?"
Archie just smiled at him and took a deep drink of his ale before answering, "Serious enough, my friend, serious enough."
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Genevieve sat in front of her mirror brushing out her blonde locks. One hundred strokes, faithfully, every night and she did them, not her maid.
She stopped midstroke and glanced at her reflection. She studied her face very carefully. SHe had no flaws that she could see, Her skin was clear and perfect. Her eyes a brilliant blue. Her nose well defined. Her lips, full and pouty. Her teeth, white and straight; and her figure, well, her figure was marvelous. Slim and rounded in all the right places.
"What's wrong with me then?" She asked herself, "Why is that little troll being courted by Mr. Kennedy? It sould be me, not her, that gets his attention! Why does he ignore me?"
The more she thought about the imagined insult being heaped upon her by Archie and Leigha, the angrier she became. Suddenly she smiled, vicously, as a plan came to her.
"Oh, yes," she thought, "I'll have my revenge, sweet little Leigha. Enjoy your happiness while you can...I guarantee it won't last long."
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One Week Later...
Archie lay on the blanket with his head cushioned on Leigha's thigh, he played with the end of her long braid and watched her face as she glanced over at Glory and Horatio. They had both decided to call a truce so Leigha and Archie could enjoy the picnic without having to play referees. So far, they had behaved themselves. There was only one tense moment when peace was threatened and Glory, gleefully, took responsibility for the shakeup.
It happened during the meal, Horatio had just taken a bite of a wonderful, sweet bread that he had never tried before.
"This is amazing!" he exclaimed, closing his eyes and savoring the morsel, "I have never tasted anything like it. What is it, Leigha?"
"It's a corn pone," Glory answered him, instead.
"A corn porn?" Horatio asked with a frown at the unusual name.
"Yes, corn pone. It's made of flour, corn meal, sugah, and buttermilk." She said, then added with a devilish gleam in her eyes, "It's American, suh, from the southern states."
"It's delicious. I must hand it to you, Americans, you sure are inventive." He replied, his eyes also gleaming.
"Ah'm surprised you like it, with your dislike of us 'barbarous Colonist,' Ah fully expected you to spit it out and declare it unfit for consumption."
"I don't dislike all Colonist, Miss Gloriana," Horatio said with a slight smile, "just you."
"Feelings are quite mutual, Mistah Hornblower. Ah don't understand you English gentlemen at all. Every one of you, with the exception of Archie, are all prigs. And you, suh, are the worst of the lot."
"Well, if you are any example of the flower of American womanhood...I say, good riddance to the entire continent!" he retorted.
"STOP!!" Leigha bellowed, in such a manner that it would have brought a smile of approval from Captain Pellew himself. "You promised a truce. Now be still, the both of you!"
"H'ratio, why don't you take Glory for a stroll around the park," Archie suggested.
"Me? Walk with *her*? You've got to be joking?"
"Does it look like I'm joking? Really, Mr. Hornblower, go on. It won't kill you...and if it does, I promise to avenge you."
"Very funny, Mr. Kennedy." Horatio muttered, casting Archie a glare, "This really isn't a good idea, Archie."
"Are you chicken, Mr. Hornblower?" Glory taunted, "I am completely unarmed, I assure you."
"Ha! Until they sew your mouth closed, you'll never be completely unarmed." Horatio growled, but he rose and held out his hand to help Glory stand.
As they walked away, Archie smiled and shook his head, "I have no clue as to why, but your friend seems to bring out the worst in Horatio."
"I wish I could say the same, but Glory is Glory. Though, she does seem to take more of a fiendish delight in baiting him."
That was over an hour ago, and they hadn't heard nor seen anything of the two since then.
"Leigha, stop worrying. They haven't fought in over an hour, and I doubt the silence means they've done away with each other." Archie teased, giving Leigha's braid a gentle tug. She smiled down at him and smoothed a lock of hair off his brow.
"Ahhhhhh..." he sighed, "I'm going to miss this."
"Will you be leaving soon, Archie?"
"Aye, probably within the next three or four weeks. Horatio and I are expecting our summons any time now. The Indy is almost completely repaired, those damned Frogs really did a number on her this time."
"So soon? Oh, Archie," Leigha said sadly, "I shall miss you terribly."
"Here now," he replied, smiling up at her tenderly, "I haven't gone yet, Elf. Please don't let this ruin our day together. We should enjoy what time we have left. Really, if you're going to be a Naval Sweetheart, you'll have to learn to be brave at the prospect of our parting, for as long as the war goes on, it'll be frequent."
"Am I your sweetheart, Archie?" she asked ingenuously.
"Typical female, only hear what you want to hear." He laughed, then asked seriously, "Do you wish to be?"
"With all my heart!" She exclaimed in delight.
"Then, yes, Elf, your my sweetheart and damned lucky to be. Just think, scores of women clamoring for my affections, and you are the lucky lady who wins them."
"Scores, Lieutenant?" Leigha scoffed, giving his hair a hard yank. "You've had too much wine, sir. You're delusional."
Archie laughed and rubbed the tender spot on his head. "You know, Elf, I've noticed you have quite a temper there. Whenever it's directed at me, you have a tendency to call me Lieutenant."
"Really, Lieutenant? How very astute, you are." Leigha sniffed, but she couldn't keep the smile from her lips.
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Horatio and Glory walked along in silence. Every now and then, Glory would stop to add another flower to her bouquet.
"How old are you?" Horatio asked from out of the blue.
She turned and looked up at him with an arched brow, "My dear, old Granny says, 'a lady should never reveal her true age.' "
"You're hardly your dear, *old* granny, so I don't think there is any point to hiding your age."
"Ah turn twenty this November, suh."
"Fancy that, nineteen and still unwed. Couldn't find anyone willing to have your tongue sharpened on him on a daily basis?"
"For your information, Ah have turned down five marriage proposals since my arrival in England, 8 months ago."
"Five, Miss Gloriana? I had no idea there were *that* many deaf gentlemen in London all at one time."
The stunned look on her face was enough to keep Horatio in rapture for the rest of the day. She was shocked speechless, a first for Glory, and not at all a pleasant sensation. Usually, it was the other way around.
"Cat caught your tongue, Miss Glory?" Horatio goaded, grinning from ear to ear.
"You, suh, are no gentlemen." Glory retorted as she turned and walked away in a fury.
"No response? I suppose this means that I win this round?"
"Go to hell, Mr. Hornblower!"
Horatio followed behind her, chuckling in delight.
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By this time, Archie had coaxed Leigha to lay beside him on the blanket. She had her head resting in his shoulder and they stared up at the clouds and pointed out shapes to each other.
"Look, there's the Indy." Archie pointed to a large cloud.
"How do you know that's the Indy? It could be any ship." Leigha teased.
"Nonsense, there *is* no other ship but the Indefatigable."
"Is my rival to be a ship, then? How can I compete with that? I have not the proud carriage nor the sleek lines. Alas, my dear sir, you are lost to me." Leigha said in dramatic tones.
Archie rolled so that he lay half atop her and her breath caught in her throat at the grin on his face and the look in his eyes.
"Oh, my sweet, sweet little elf, you have no rival. True, the Indy may be a mistress, but you will always be my true north. She cannot hold me forever, maybe steal me from your side for a while, but I'll always come back to you."
"Archie," she breathed as her throat closed on a little sob of hope, "is that a declaration? Do you love me? Can you find it in your heart to love someone like me?"
"Someone like you, Leigha? If you mean, can I love someone as sweet, as charming, as lovely, as delectable as you? I'll say, 'of course I can' and I do. Elf, I do love you. I only hope the sentiment is returned."
For an answer, she pulled his head down to hers and seized his lips in a kiss of joy and tender passion. He responded eagerly, and quickly brought a new element to the kiss: lust.
She gasped in wonder and the in shock as she felt his hand travel over her throat, breast, stomach and hip. The shock quickly turned to pleasure as his hand rested gently against her thigh. He pulled away from her lips and rained fiery kisses down her throat. He impatiently removed the fiche away from the low decollete of her gown and planted kisses against the exposed flesh. She cried out in startled pleasure when she felt the heat of his hand against the bare skin of her thigh, just above her stocking.
Suddenly, he stopped. She looked at him in dazed disappointment. He lightly chuckled, kissed the tip of her nose and, with shaking hands, straightened her gown.
"I hear Horatio and Glory returning," he explained when he saw the question, and hurt, in her eyes.
"Oh, " she silently mouthed and blushed bright red.
"I think it best if you sit close to me and spread your skirt across my lap." He said with another chuckle and it became a full-fledged laugh when he watched her eyes travel to the front of his breeches and her cheeks and throat pinked even further at what she beheld.
"Come now, Elf, compose yourself, or one will think you've been up to something naughty." He teased. Then said as he glanced over her shoulder, "Oh, there you two are. Still in one piece, I see."