Chapter Two

Once Aunt Sylvia, her father's sister, left with Amy, James placed the note in the messengers hand for the priest saying that he would be needed tomorrow.

Emma would have liked to spend every spare second with her father but he insisted that she and Horatio become comfortable with each other, seeing as they were to be married. He sent the two of them out of the house for a few hours to run various errands for him. When Emma could watch Horatio without his notice, she let herself study this young man who was to be her husband. He was tall and lean. His skin lightly golden from time spent. The uniform fit him well, she noticed. His face was angular, betraying any hint of softness were it not for a soft, full lipped mouth and gentle big brown eyes. Steady. Honest. Trust-worthy eyes. She had no doubt he was a good man, especially if her father were going to entrust her to his car. Emma just wished that she'd been able to choose her own groom, in her own time. A lock of brown curly hair strayed repeatedly across his forehead as they walked.

The wedding would be small to say the least. The only ones in attendance would be herself, Horatio, James and the priest. After dinner, the fire would be set and they would say their goodbyes. Emma tried her hardest not to think of that moment. She was glad to busy herself in conversation with her husband-to-be and he, sensing her nervousness about the whole situation was very obliging. Horatio told her about the ship. They were to sail on The Indefatigable which Emma was certain she would never wrap her tongue around. He told her of his ship mates, in particular one named Archie Kennedy, who he spoke of with a smiling fondness. Horatio also told of her of some of his adventures as an officer in his majesty's navy.

"Will you show me your sword?" Emma asked glancing at the long, ivory handled saber at his waist.

"I wouldn't want you to do yourself an injury." he warned taking her arm and leading her across the street.

"Well, I would think it would be safer to familiarize myself with the weapons of your trade, Sir. Better to learn how to protect myself." Emma challenged. He stopped and stared at her blankly.

"What on earth for? You'll be perfectly safe at my family home." Horatio pointed out. Now it was Emma's turn to look confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Where you'll live after we are married, of course."

"And do what? Take up needlepoint as I await your return from the sea?" she asked, her voice taking on a sharp edge. "I think not."

"Ms Stuart-"

"Really, I think we should dispense with the Mr and Ms Anything seeing as we are to be married, don't you?"

"Very well. Emma," Horatio began with forced patience. "I regret that there has been some sort of misunderstanding. The agreement was to marry you to keep you safe. Sailing aboard a navy ship is hardly that, if you'll recall from the tales I have just regaled you with."

"How much safer could I be than in the company of hundreds of navy officers?"

Horatio countered this comment with a raised eyebrow. "As the lone woman?"

Emma blushed hotly at his insinuation. "That is not what I meant, Sir! Besides, if we're married than I'd hardly have to worry about any unwelcome advances know will I?" Emma challenged as they walked towards the waiting carriage.

"You cannot possibly be that naive." he said shaking his head. Taking her hand, he helped her up onto her seat and waited until the driver began the journey back to the Stuart house before continuing with what distinctly was beginning to feel like an argument.

"I'm sure you'll protect me should the need arise." Emma said putting a hand on his arm, hoping to appeal to his ego. Horatio looked down at the hand and smiled briefly at her. Emma felt a pleasant flip in her chest at his smile. She supposed she should be grateful that at least he wasn't homely. Horatio seemed to catch on to what she was attempting and he quickly shook his head and cleared his throat.

"As flattering as your confidence in my ability is, I'm afraid that the matter is not up for negotiation. Now I must insist that as my wife, you obey me on this matter." Horatio concluded as if he was speaking to one of his ship mates. Emma decided she did not like the tone one bit.

"I'm not your wife yet, Mr Hornblower." Emma reminded him stiffly. "I will not be left behind while my husband goes off gallivanting across the ocean doing God knows what from port to port, tavern to tavern, brothel to brothel!" Emma said through clenched teeth. She was facing him, mere inches from his mouth. Horatio stared dumbly, his cheeks flushed with indignation.

"My goodness. Are you questioning my honor?" Horatio asked more horrified by the fact that her mouth was so close to his and inspiring the most dishonorable thoughts.

"I've heard stories of sailors and the disreputable activities they engage in" Emma said, blushing furiously.

"As you pointed out, Ms Stuart. We are not married yet. How could you possibly accuse me of being unfaithful?"

"I was doing no such thing." Emma insisted. "I was merely stating that when we are married I have no desire to stay at home. I am staying with you on the Ind...Indflapp...Indiggga-on your ship. And that is that." she said with a curt nod that made Horatio want to pull out his hair.

"The arrangement was that I marry you to keep you safe." Horatio tried to reason with the little twit.

"The arrangement was that I was to marry you. I never agreed to being separated from you. I will follow your Ind..In-"

"Indefatigable." Horatio supplied.

"Quite right, in a dingy all across the ocean if I must." The image that inspired made Horatio laugh out loud which Emma did not appreciate.

"That is not the least bit funny. I'm quite insulted that you don't seem to be taking me seriously." Emma snapped slapping at his arm. "I could be quite useful on your ship- Would you cease your bloody laughing?" she demanded. She would later grudgingly admit that he did have a nice laugh but for now she was too busy feeling insulted.

"I apologize, Ms Stuart, Emma. Truly I do." Horatio replied trying to compose himself. "But be reasonable. I can't keep you on the ship. Firstly my superiors would never allow it-"

"I could speak to them" Emma interjected but Horatio ignored her and went on.

"Secondly, my shipmates just may throw you overboard the moment my back is turned. While I do not, myself, hold with superstition, it is common knowledge among those that do that women are apparently bad luck on ships."

"Now that is ridiculous." Emma said.

"I agree. However, the fact remains that you would be putting yourself in danger on my ship" Horatio insisted. The carriage pulled towards the Stuart house. When it stopped, Horatio stepped down and offered Emma his hand. A light suddenly came into her eyes that made Horatio nervous and giddy at the same time.

"I won't be joining your ship as a woman. I'll be joining as a doctor who just happens to be female." Emma reasoned smiling up at him as he held her hand.

"A doctor?" he asked blinking at her.

"That's right." she nodded.

"There's no such thing as a female doctor." Horatio said, narrowing his eyes.

"Not yet, but there will be. You mark my words. I've been studying with a group of friends, in secret with a Dr Carlton Houser. He's quite a well known and respected physician and he's of the more enlightened opinion that medical skill is not limited to one gender." Emma said haughtily.

"A medical student can hardly be called a doctor."

"All I need is the experience and I can get that on your ship. Oh please, Horatio. You must admit that it's a brilliant idea." Emma concluded proud of herself, especially when she saw the wavering look in his eyes.

"Quite, except for the fact that we already have a naval physician." He was surprised at the disappointment he felt when her satisfied smile wavered.

"Oh." she said sadly. Pure male weakness made him add the following remark.

"Well, technically we're without out our naval physician at the moment." Her smile was blinding. Truly it was. That was the excuse he planned to use when his superiors and fellow mates beat the stuffing out of him.