Chapter IV:The Approval
Captain Pellew sat across his daughter, and said nothing until she began to fidget with her hands," So, how is Hornblower doing?" He asked.
"Oh, he is fine. He is already up and about the ship. So, how are you doing, father?" She asked. And smiled.
"Fine, just fine. And you?"

"What?"
"How are you doing ? Do not make me repeat myself girl."He snapped.
"Oh, just fine, thank you. You know this is a lovely ship, I am happy that you let me aboard."She said sweetly. Then took a drink of some water. She tried to enjoy breakfast with her father. And tried her best not to give her and Horatio away."Oh, father."She began, and could not help but ask," You think that Hornblower could be interested in asking you if he court me?"
Pellew looked up at her,"Court you? No doubt Penny, no doubt. however, I would not advise. These are times of war and widows might I add."
"Yes, but we may not wed, though. We could just court until otherwise. And let Destiny take toll." She explained."There had to have been a reason for him getting shot."

Pellew stared at her for a moment,then spoke,"Penelope Pellew are you asking to Court Hornblower?"
"I...what...am I...huh?"She asked lost for a moment.
"...go for it, Penny. I trust that you two will get along fine together, besides, he will make a great protector for you."He said with a smile.
Penelope's smile widened and she took her father's hand," Thank you, sir" She said and arose from her seat ands walked towards the door."Crewmemeber Pellew." Captain Pellew began. She stopped and turned," Take care of that boy." Penelope nodded once and continued out the captain's quarters.
Darting to the boat deck, Penelope looked about, men worked and others chatted. She searched for Horatio and upon spotting him at the bridge, she smiled and travelled to his current location."Horatio."She began.
Hornblower smiled and turned to her,"Penelope. If your father sees us..."
"He wants me to ask you to court. We can be together, Horatio."She said and threw her arms around him.
"Hornblower! Pellew!" Came a firm call from Captain Pellew. He had just currently ascended the bridge. Quickly, Penelope and Horatio released the other from the embrace."No PDAs while in uniform. Do I make myself clear. Hornblower?"
"Sir."Hornblower said quickly.
"Pellew?"
"Yes sir." Penelope said. As she was aloud to wear and officer's uniform, which hers was just a white shirt, vest, white breeches and those tight socks thingies that go knee high.
"Good."Captain Pellew said and looked out at sea. Horatio and Penelope ,looked at one another and smiled. Relieved that they could be in love without it being secret. But it seemed so convenient. Her father never would do this.What was he doing? Was he realizing that she had grown up finally.

"Father." Penelope called after him.

" Go to your man, girl. " He said.

" No, not until you tell me. Why? This is not like you. You've put a bullet into a young man's body for even taking my hand. Let alone let one of your crew touch me."

Pellew shook his head." Hornblower is a good man, Penelope. He follows orders. He is pure, and he will make a faithful man. He deserves you. Plus it was you, who asked." He explained firmly.

Penelope turned back, and approached Horatio. " Hornblower." She started " Come with me." She said firmly. Horatio said nothing as she lead him away, into private. He noticed she had a strange look about. Her. Penelope said nothing, only drew him into a deep kiss. Lowering him back into the hammock. Which she slept in. Her fingers fidgeted with the buttons on her shirt.

Horatio immediately realized what she wanted and eased from the kiss," No, no. Penelope we mustn't. It seems….to…soon." He whispered. His hands slid up and down her arms. True he wanted her. But she was too young, only his age.

Penelope cocked her head and ignored his protests. Her lips seductively touched the side of his neck and bottom of his ear. Horatio gasped. Never had he experienced this. sort of feeling. " I want you." Penelope whispered into his ear. This sent Horatio's heart pounding madly. And he let himself go, so easily.

"And I you." He said softly back to her. Slowly, their bliss started. Penelope stripped herself and revealed to him her beautiful body. Horatio took his time, kissing every inch of her body. He too was nude. Laying upon her. Gingerly his finger tips traced along her flesh. Every feel of her, just the scent of her lavender hair was enough to send his mad with desire. The taste of her skin made him drunk with passion. And he longed to take her. But he wanted to know her flesh for hours first. And she would him. I dare not continue, rated one T you know, not M.