Chapter Eight

Emma was being rudely pulled away from another sweet dream. She was about to swat out at the person when she recognized her husbands voice.

"We're here, Emma." Horatio said pulling her up into a sitting position. She opened her eyes as he helped her slip her arms into the sleeves of her coat and wrapped his jacket around her shoulders. Raising her eyes, her yawn caught in her throat. Even in the darkness, the Indefatigable was a daunting sight. She swallowed nervously as the seamen dotted above, staring down at them. The ones in uniform were indistinguishable from each other but the hands were quite dangerous looking men.

"Well, would you look at that? Horatio's finally got himself a lass!" A voice hidden by a broad pointed hat called out.

"Good evening, Mr Kennedy. Send word to the Captain that we're ready to come aboard." Horatio called up. "Come on." he extended his hand to her after they stopped just under the ladder rungs.

"Oh dear. Alright." Emma said taking his hand and praying that she wouldn't slip off one of the rungs and drown. Horatio let her go up first. Emma gripped the first wooden rung and slowly made her way up towards the man Horatio had called Kennedy. It occurred to Emma at the last minute that it would've perhaps been best to remove her shoes.

"There ya go, lass. Take your time." Kennedy said above her. "Just a few more now, miss."

An older man joined the men on deck and made them all stand at attention while he looked over the edge to Emma.

"Good evening, Captain Pellew." Horatio called up. Approaching the railing, Emma looked up at the man Horatio had called Captain. A grim face that in the darkness looked downright frightening.

"Who is this woman climbing up my ship?" he asked incredulously.

"Emma Hornblower, Sir." Emma said with what she hoped was a polite smile. As dark as it was, she didn't think he could see it anyway.

"Hornblower?" Kennedy and the Captain asked at the same time. Emma cried out in horror when her foot slipped and her body jerked downward. Kennedy reached quickly and grabbed her forearms before she slid further. Her chin slammed painfully into the rung but at least she hadn't hit the water, she thought gratefully.

"Safe and sound." Kennedy assured her in a soothing voice. Emma looked up into kind shining eyes. He pulled her up the rest of the way and she held onto him for dear life as he pulled her over onto the deck. She squeezed her eyes shut in horror at her near fall.

"Oh thank you, Sir! Thank you so very-oh!" she cried out when Kennedy fell flat on his back taking her with him. A few of the men burst out laughing. Emma's eyes flew open in embarrassment and stared down at Mr Kennedy who was smiling at her.

"Emma Hornblower. A relative?" he asked.

"A wife, Sir." She blushed at his dramatic sigh of disappointment.

"Wife?" Captain Pellew asked staring down at the two of them then over at Horatio who was making his way aboard. Emma eased off of Mr Kennedy with an apology.

"Yes, Sir....I mean, Captain." she amended quickly. "Married just today, Captain."

"Is that so?" Captain Pellew made a brief but unmistakable glance down at her stomach. Emma blushed hotly at the insinuation. "My congratulations But that doesn't explain what you're doing on my ship, Mrs Hornblower." he directed his question at her but he looked pointedly at Horatio.

"I apologize I didn't have time to send word to you that I would be bringing her aboard but it all came about rather suddenly." Horatio explained.

"And rest assured, Captain Pellew, that I plan to earn my keep. I'm not afraid of hard work and I vow to do my best by you and your men." Emma said, hoping to smooth over any anger the captain might have over not being informed of his new crew member. He didn't look angry so much as annoyed at Horatio whereas he was staring at Emma as if she'd just sprouted a second head.

"Pray tell, as what?" he asked.

"Well, as the ship physician, Sir- I mean, Captain Pellew." Emma informed him.

"You mean to tell me you think that you're staying on my ship? Young Miss, let me disabuse you of that notion swiftly."

"But, Sir-" she stopped to glare at the other men who hadn't stopped laughing since she had announced she was the new doctor. They quickly pressed their lips together to try and stop any more laughter from escaping.

"Mr Hornblower, I would advise you to inform your young wife that a naval ship is no place for her and that as soon as we hit our next port she will be let off. Send her to one of your relatives, man!" He said in exasperation, turning away from them in dismissal. Emma thought about holding her tongue seeing as he was her husband's captian, but fear over being separated from Horatio and left at the mercy of nameless relatives won out and she stepped in front of the captain.

"Captain Pellew. I would have appreciated that you addressed me in matters of my concern. Now I beg an audience with you, Sir so that we may discuss the matter further. Privately." she said. Her heart was pounding nervously but she knew she would have to stand her ground if she had any hope of changing his mind. Behind her, any sounds of repressed laughter had halted. To her right, Horatio stood with Kennedy, who himself looked rightly amused at the exchange between herself and the captain.

"How old are you, child?" Captain Pellew asked. Emma decided her best course of action was to lie. He'd be more likely to listen to her if he saw her as a full grown adult.

"Eighteen, Captain Pellew."

"Hmm." he said. She wasn't sure if he believed her or not but at least her didn't challenge the lie. Then he turned away again.

"Come on then. You too, Mr Hornblower. I can listen to your new bride while I decide whether to have you flogged within an inch of your life for bringing her on board." Emma squeezed her eyes shut against the accusatory glare Horatio shot at her as Captain Pellew led them to his quarters.