Chapter Forty
Emma gathered Archie's books close to her chest and gave herself a few minutes to stop her trembling. She leaned her head against the top of the hard covers and inhaled the soft musty smell of the pages. So that's what it was, Emma thought distantly. She remembered that Archie always smelled of seawater, the sharp smell of the soap used to launder the uniforms and something else that was before now, indistinct. These pages. The scent of them comforted her with the memory of her friend and Emma took a deep breaths until her heart rate slowed. Getting to her feet, Emma braced herself for having to look at Jack Simpson's wretched face while she went up to see what all the shouting was about.
The glaring sun gave a deceptive look of warmth to the frigid day as Emma walked out onto the deck. There was an animated crowd surrounding two people and she would always later laugh when she remembered that it was Finch's wide brimmed black hat that she'd spotted first considering the old man's diminutive size.
Jack Simpson was yelling in outrage at someone and Emma let out a gasp when she saw who it was. Archie's books fell from her arms and the world around her narrowed to a head of dark unruly curls.
Emma could barely make out what Jack Simpson was yelling about. Her blue eyes filled with tears and she could barely speak. Her eyes so focused on the person in the centre of the crowd, tall, and in a tattered uniform, dried blood matting the curls on his forehead to his face. Her heart swelled with gratitude and she must of made a sound cause the crowd separated when they turned to her. Then his brown eyes met hers with a wide smile and Emma revised her opinion. There was indeed, a God. She leapt at him, wrapping her arms around him and buried her face in the side of his neck.
"Horatio." She whispered hoarsely, clutching him close and inhaling gratefully the scent of sweat, blood and dirt that now filled her nostrils. His arms were tight around her and her feet were not touching the deck. "Horatio." She repeated, crying into his collar. "Oh thank you, thank you." Now she was shaking with the force of her joy.
"It's all right now, darling. It's all right." Horatio murmured stroking her hair.
Emma rained kisses on his face, unmindful of their audience. She could see Horatio's skin colouring in a blush before she met his mouth determined to drive any embarrassment from his mind.
"Mrs. Hornblower, I did not think I would have to remind you that is not common practice to have my officers molested by their wives on my ship." Captain Pellew's voice sounded stern but when Emma broke away and looked she could see the glistening in his eyes and near lift in the corner of his mouth.
"Yes, Sir." Emma replied stepping away and giving him a big grin that told him she wasn't apologetic in the least.
"Good to have you back, Mr Hornblower." Captain Pellew shook Horatio's hand. "And what of Mr Kennedy?"
Emma's face fell and she felt a guilty thud in her chest. She hadn't even bothered to take notice of the fact that Archie was not standing by Horatio. Emma turned her head to look for him among the faces around her but when she saw Horatio's face, her stomach tightened with the pain of renewed grief. Smaller, but still sharp. And she felt a guilty twinge at the relief that Horatio had been the one to return.
"Mr Kennedy, was left behind to die, Sir." Horatio said through gritted teeth and Emma saw him meet Simpson's eyes over her head.
"Yes, well." Captain Pellew cleared his throat and shook his head sadly. "That is unfortunate. Mr Simpson informed us of what transpired on The Papillion."
"If you'll pardon my saying so, Sir. Mr Simpson is a damn liar." Horatio seethed as he held Emma close to him.
"I knew it!" Emma snapped glaring at the hateful man.
"What is this?" Horatio asked turning Emma's face to the side. It was only that she began to notice the sting on the side of her left temple. Horatio's fingers came away red. She must have scratched herself when Simpson had tackled her onto the floor. Emma narrowed her eyes at him. Horatio noticed and took a step towards Jack Simpson.
"I resent being attacked in this manner!" Jack insisted indignantly.
"You can resent it all you want, Mr Simpson but we shall continue this in my cabin. Come along, Mr Simpson, Mr Hornblower." Emma moved to follow but the captain stopped her.
"Mrs Hornblower, I dare say your father in law would most welcome news of these recent developments. Do you not agree?"
Bloody damn. Emma thought. Of course he was right but she'd give anything to be able to hear Captain Pellew give Jack Simpson his comeuppance.
"Very well, Sir." Emma nodded grudgingly gathering up Archie's books. As she walked down to sick bay she found herself daydreaming of all the different punishments Captain Pellew could choose to punish Simpson. Tying him up in the rigging was too good for him. Tossing him into the ocean, well, the vermin could swim. Hanging him would be much too quick. Emma briefly entertained the idea that the British should bring back the penalty of boiling some one to death but decided that even she couldn't stomach that. Though she wondered if she'd feel the same, had Horatio remained dead. Emma shook her head, she wouldn't question herself in that regard. Emma fought a shudder with the realization that she wouldn't like what the answer said about her.
She'd concentrate on the positive. Horatio was alive. She'd leave the punishment to the captain, though she did hope it was severe.
Doctor Hornblower had been overjoyed when Emma told him that his son was alive. He picked her up in a tight affectionate hug before apologizing for losing control of his emotions and following her to Captain Pellew's cabin to wait for Horatio's meeting with the captain to end. The door was yanked open and Simpson pushed past her, knocking Emma against the wall as he stormed off down the corridor. Emma smiled with satisfaction before she saw the pale look on Horatio's face. While Henry hugged him Emma glanced at her husband questioningly and he grimaced. Whatever he was about to tell her, Emma was not going to like.
"What is it?" She pressed. Horatio looked to Captain Pellew and then back to Emma. And suddenly, Emma knew. A jolt of fear shot down her back and shifted into her belly.
"You didn't." Emma pleaded with a groan. Dear God, not this again! Emma wanted to scream.
"It's the only way to settle-" Before Horatio finished his sentence, Emma's small fist connected with his jaw.
A.N: Ah, not quite the reunion ya'll, including Horatio were hoping for huh? (laughs)
Tianis: Thanks so much for your feedback. I hope you enjoyed this chapter
Camreyn: I would think it'd be a bit hard to find Horatio's body in the sea so technically, I think he could be declared dead. Luckily, he's back so they can cancel any funerals. (smiles) Archie on the other hand...