An Introduction

Louisa Smollett stared at the grand ship before her. The Prevail bobbed gently up and down in the quiet waters of the Bristol dock. It's helm, a dark mahogany colour was well looked after and little more than a few clumps of seaweed clung to the wood. The sails flapped lifelessly in the wind, unfortunately bad weather for any sailor as the wind wasn't strong enough.
As Louisa gazed across the deck of the ship she watched the crew hurry to their duties. Just looking at one man climb up the rigging made her stomach go funny. She saw a tall, middle aged man standing by the railing on the port side of the boat. He was dressed finely in a rich blue uniform, conventional of the Royal Navy. Deciding he must be the first mate she decided this would be a good time to go aboard and introduce herself.
The first mate noticed her within seconds and looked at her quizzically- he had never, in his fifteen years of sailing, seen a woman come aboard a ship like the Prevail. He started to walk towards her to offer assistance. Perhaps she was lost, or perhaps she needed help. He couldn't guess. From looking at her expensive clothing he knew she couldn't be after a job, which was becoming more and more usual.
"Can I help you, ma'am" he asked kindly. A gust of wind decided to steal Louisa's bonnet and began to lift it right of her head. She firmly clamped her gloved hand on her head and smiled, slightly embarrassed.
"I would like to speak to Captain Hawkins, it's very important." She stepped onto the deck and removed her hand from her head. The wind seemed to have learnt its lesson and did not pick up.
"He's in his office right now. If you wait here I will see if he will see you."
"Oh, thank you."
"What name shall I give?"
" Smollett, Miss Louisa Smollett."
"I'll just be a second, Miss Smollett." The first mate walked off. A few members of the crew were looking at her curiously but when they saw that she knew they were watching they hastily turned away. A small boy, little older than twelve whistled as he went about his work cleaning the railings. Louisa guessed him to be a cabin boy.
" Excuse me," she called to the boy. He stopped whistling. " How long have you worked for Captain Hawkins?"
" Nearly a year now, miss."
"What do you think of him?"
"He's a good man. He's strict though, but not cruel. My old Cap'n was cruel, he used to give me ten lashings if I weren't quick enough."
"Does Captain Hawkins ever use violence?"
"Only on mutineers and pirates. I've never actually met a pirate. But I wish I could. I'd show 'em what for."
"What's your name?"
" Peter, miss."
"Miss Smollett," the first mate had returned. Louisa turned back to him. " Captain Hawkins will see you now. Follow me."