Chapter III: The Kiss
Horatio smiled lightly, looking out at the calm sea. With Penelope leaning beside him that morning. There had been a brief silence, that soon was broken, when Horatio asked," Are you treated fairly?"

" Well, I am paid to get on my knees, scrub the boards. cook, clean, and make sure the crew has a partner in their beds." Immediately Horatio looked at her wide eyed. Penelope laughed," You are too easily fooled Hornblower. You should not assume so much my father lets me stay in my own bunker. Eat, and talk with the men. We get along alright. Styles is one of few, besides Oldroyd. "

" So what are you doing here? On "The Indifatigable?"
"My father did not want me alone, as my nanny recently passed away. Plus I asked to come along, just to keep him company." She explained.
"I see. Well, I am sure that he along with many of us are happy to have you aboard. You remain out of sight when needed, however." He mused.
"I have given my father my very word that I will remain scarce whenever an enemy ship is near. And I will not break that promise. He is after all my father." She stated. Then looked at Horatio for a second, "So, is there a Mrs. Hornblower?" She asked.
" If you mean my mother, she is dead. There was a Mrs. Hornblower at one time."
"No, I meant wife? Are you , married, sir?"
"No. I am not. And I take it you are not either, nor are you currently with a man, am I correct?"
"You are. Why?" She asked.
"Well,...why did you ask if I was married?"
"I...no reason really." Penelope said nervously. She blushed as she tried to hide her face.
Horatio smiled and gently tilted her chin, so that he could look at her beautiful eyes." I asked because I want to ask your father if..."

"My father will decline. But I on hand, will not. And if you were going to ask what I think you are, then, yes. You may court me, sir." She said, bringing a light smile to Horatio's face. And Penelope, she too smiled.
" What if your father were to.."
"He won't trust me. Most of the time, he is clueless of my actions. This relationship that you and myself develop should slip pass him easily."
"And if it does not?" He asked, somewhat uncertain of this.
"Then you may be thrown overboard." She said and looked at him. She smiled and took his hand," Do not worry, Horatio. My father will not do much if this does not remain a secret."
And looking around, Penelope lead Horatio with her below deck, there to made sure that they were alone," What are you." Horatio began, but was paused with a long, and deep kiss. And then the moment that seemed forever ended, When Penelope was called by her father.
"I must go. Meet me astern tonight, when the deck is cleared of most of the men."She requested and bid him good day and went to her father.
While Horatio stood there, perplexed, she kissed him. The kiss was so wonderful and very unexpected. But he enjoyed it, and already he felt that he was falling in love, as his heart had begun to beat wildly. And then the very thought of Captain Pellew suddenly popped into his head. What would happen to him if they were caught? And what would he do with Penelope? Disown her? Or would he remain her father? This question and so much more raced through his mind.