Chapter
II: The Quick Recovery
Later,
the very following morning, Penelope requested that she change
Hornblower's bandages for his wound. And of course, because she was
the captain's daughter, he let her walk in Hornblower's quarters, she
greeted him with a smile, "Guten Morgan, Mr.
Hornblower."
Hornblower
only smile and slowly sat up in his bed." Hello Ms. Pellew. I
did not know you could speak German." He stated, noticing the
Guten and Morgan. Which in German meant good morning
Penelope
shrugged and wondered over to his bed, sitting herself upon the side.
"There is so much that you do not know about me, sir. My
grandfather took me to Germany when I was little. And there he taught
me to speak the language." She explained. "So, does Mr.
Hornblower speak a non native language?" She asked. As she
slowly unwrapped the older bandage from the gun shot wound." Looks
as though it is healing." She said with satisfaction.
"Are you thirsty, acting leftenant?" She asked.
" No, thank you. So you asked me if I spoke any other language? I speak a bit of French, as a matter of fact. So, Ms. Pellew was.."
Penelope
began to laugh at this. She never really liked the frogs, nor their
language. So she could not help but laugh. " Sorry for the rude
laugh, but, the French language the so called ' language of love'
never really appealed to my liking. and please call me Penelope."
She said in
interruption.
"Penelope?"
"Yes?"
"Your
voice it is not very accented as mine. Might I ask, are you part
Spanish?"
Penelope
looked at him and smiled, "Yes, my mother was a Spanish servant,
and my father, fell in love with her, while he was wounded in a small
village in Spain." She explained.
"And
have you any brothers or sisters?" He asked. Trying to ignore
the fact that she had begun to rewrap the wound. But also wanted to
focus on the fact the most beautiful woman he had ever seen was
touching him gently. And also he had to turn his mind away from this,
because more blood left his head. And seemed to venture elsewhere.
Penelope noticed this and blushed. Horatio tried to hide his longing for her," Forgive me, I…I am not used to…."
" That
is quite alright. You would not be the first nor the last to show a
surprise such as that." She said with a smile" and as to answer
your question. I am an only child. My mother died when was just a
baby. Or so my father tells me. So, you are seventeen, and very
successful in your ventures at sea? " She asked trying her best
to avoid the subject of her mother's death as much as possible. And
twist him away from his erection.
"Yes.
So far I have been, except for the defeat yesterday."
"Well,
at least you are still alive, sir. "She pointed out.
"At
least. But, I could have done better."
"Do
you think that if you had more men with you, that you would have been
victorious against the French ship?" She
asked.
"Perhaps.
But then again my father once told me that there is a reason for
everything that happens. No matter what the situation. "He
explained.
"Maybe."
Penelope paused and forgot entirely about what she was going to say,
as Hornblower was looking right at her. And she stared back at him.
After a long moment of their silence. Penelope spoke again."
There. I am finished wrapping your wound." She said and
arose.
Hornblower
smiled lightly and slowly arose from the bed. "I should be fine
now." He stated. "I think that I could stand to wonder the
boat deck this morning. Penelope, would you care to join
me?"
Penelope
smiled and watched as he donned himself in a fresh coat and white
shirt."I would be honored to join you this morning on the boat
deck, sir."
