Note: Proving a point to Prongs and Wormtail. While Stephen Maturin is the epitome of stunning brill, he is by no means a sissy. He is actually a vicious, wicked child tormentor. Albeit a stunning brill one.
'So,' said Charlotte. 'What's it mean?'
'Amazing,' breathed Stephen, eye still trained on the hawk through the borrowed spyglass. He made no move to give the girl a signal of recognition, and he didn't intend to any time soon.
'What's it mean?' she repeated deliberately. Maturin, whose chronic dislike of most children was shattering – if not only due to the obvious impatience and purposeful nature of this ill-mannered creature –, could only just bite back a smile. Instead of replying, the doctor continued to peer through the perspective glass.
'This ought to teach a few nay sayers as to the population of Falco temerarius in Britain,' he remarked to himself, with somewhat more complacence than he would have. 'De non apprentibus et non existentibus eadem est ratio.' He laughed a bit to himself. 'No esmerillion, indeed.'
'What's it mean?' cried Charlotte, clearly losing her temper.
'All right,' said Stephen at last, telescoping the glass absently and handing it to the edgy child. He glanced about blankly, inhaling the sweet air with pleasure. Charlotte Aubrey gave him a distinct glare, and even went so far as to tap her foot once, arms crossed over her chest.
'Goodness,' murmured Stephen, snatching the telescope back again. 'Alcedinae, at this time of year.'
The doctor and child returned to the cottage some hours later, to Sophie's slight surprise. 'What were you doing out quite so very late, Stephen?' she asked blankly. 'I try to discourage her being out and peering at animals constantly – no discipline, if she flies wanton in search of cardinals.' She glanced at her daughter, who was sullen and quiet.
Fanny and George pranced towards them from out of the kitchen. 'You missed the most marvellous supper, Charlotte, love,' said Fanny with an innocuous beam. George smiled harmlessly. Stephen could not help but smile.
'I do apologise, Sophie, dear,' replied Stephen. 'It was not my intention at all to miss supper – but I kept asking Charlotte if we could head back, and she simply would not allow it.' The girl in question muttered darkly.
'So?' said Fanny, peering at her twin. 'What's it mean?'
Stephen covered another smile with his hand. 'Come along, then, Miss Francis,' he said, edging her away from her sister.
'Why?' asked Fanny.
Stephen allowed the girl to view a most unprofessional, cavalier smile. 'It means, "To subdue the proud." But don't tell Charlotte.' Fanny raised an eyebrow quizzically, but decided not to question. After all, it was difficult enough finding things that Charlotte didn't know already.
Charlotte trailed behind as everyone headed inside the cottage, muttering darkly. 'J'ai faille attendre!' she exclaimed ironically, with one more evil glare towards Stephen. 'You never gave me my spyglass back...'