Chapter VI: A Chance to Prove Worthy
" I am curious, Penelope." Horatio had began. The small boat, him, Penelope, Styles, Matthews, Oldroyd , and a few others rowed in, towards the near Island." Why this mission?"
Penelope shrugged," I do not know, I wanted to go with you guys here, so, I guess he figured that this was the best way for you to prove yourself worthy of my. Though, I believe that this is not going to be smooth sailing for you, Horatio." She stated.
Horatio nodded," Just stay with me, Penelope, and you should be fine. Hopefully."
"Hopefully, you are not being too over confident, sir." Penelope said and smiled.
Horatio shrugged," I suppose I am being a little too overconfident, however, I think that I shall make a little effort to protect you, Penelope." He said, taking her hand." Listen about the other night….I apologize if you felt that was an example of self control."

"Such a gentleman, Horatio. Actually, I would never normally do that either, however. there is something about you. Something that tells me, I want to spend the rest of my life with you." She said, leaning over to him, she kissed him lightly on the lips. Attracting the attention of the crew members. The others poked fun and joked around at Hornblower and the fact the he had kissed the daughter of their captain, in front of them.

" As you were." Horatio demanded firmly. There was a pause. The only sound was the waves lapping against the boat and those rowing it. The beauty, which Penelope showed to Horatio. Took his breathe away.
Penelope laughed and looked at Horatio, and he looked back at her, and through his brown eyes, he could only see strength and love. He admired Penelope for that. It was not common for women like herself, to accompany their father's at sea. The way she was.
Soon, they reached shore. It was quiet, and at the same time, Hornblower felt the presence of more men." Stay close, Penelope." Hornblower whispered. After they had, along with the others, crept ashore. Reluctantly, Penelope nodded. And drew a flint lock pistol, slowly, following Hornblower's motions into some trees.

" I'll bet my life's savings, you may get captured." Oldroyd said.

" Quiet Oldyrod." Snapped Hornblower"You men watch our backs." Hornblower ordered behind him. The men did as told, drawing their weapons, they readied their guns. Turning back again, Hornblower whispered another order. But, his voice was cut off by, a shot ringing out their way.
"Take cover!" Hornblower exclaimed. Taking Penelope's hand, he ran and hid behind a bush. Aiming his pistol, he shot into what the naked eye would call nothingness. But shortly after he shot, a Frenchman rolled from behind a tree. His dead body landed not far from the English Marines. Hornblower looked around and drew his back up pistol, and looked over at Mathew and Style from where they hid," Matthews, Styles, I'm going to approach from the left side, Styles, you approach and attack, hide, from the right. Mathew.."
"What orders have you for me?" Penelope asked. As musket balls bounced off trees and rocks.
"You are to stay here, hidden, Matthews, keep an eye out for her!" He commanded.
"Aye, sir!" Matthews shouted.
Hornblower nodded and he, with Styles did their plan. Hornblower ran from behind the bush and shot at any Frenchman, he knew was out there.
Penelope looked at Matthews and decided that she may suffer for her actions, by helping, but she was willing to take the risk. She was in love with Hornblower, and she was not about to let him die.
She leapt from the trees and shot at an on coming French soldier, and then she leapt to the ground and rolled over behind a tree, where Hornblower, with a couple other men, his near." I believe I gave you the order to remain hidden!" Hornblower shouted.
"I know, but for love, I would risk even my life." Penelope stated, getting his eyes on hers. Horatio could not believe it. She loved him. No, that can not be, could it?