James was in a constant state of agitation, now that he had decided to ask Fanny for her hand in marriage. It was almost comical really- the amount of times his plans to get Fanny alone had been thwarted.

Attempt #1 James had collected Fanny from her shift at the hospice, as had been their usual custom. He was only waiting to be amongst the blooms of the pink and white camellias in the park, before stopping to ask her. Unfortunately, Margaret, the Harville children and their nurse happened upon them in almost the exact spot. The children spirited Fanny away in the excitement of seeing their Aunt outside of their usual routine.

Attempt #2 James, John and Frederick were sitting before the Harville's fire, enjoying the warmth it gave. As Margaret left the kitchen to attend to the cries of one of their children, James offered to fetch the coffee for the group. When he entered the kitchen, the sight of Fanny preparing the tray, the glow of the moonlight caught in her hair, moved him more than he was prepared for. He gathered her into his arms, her gasp cut off by his mouth upon hers in a searing kiss. Her hands snaked up his neck, to rest in the curls at the back of his head as he squeezed her soft body closer to his. Now, James thought to himself. As Fanny softly moaned, James broke off the kiss. Forehead resting against hers he whispered, "Fanny. My darling"-

when they were suddenly startled by the bright glow of the drawing room fire and a loud "Hey-Ho what do we have here!" Followed by the uproarious laughter of John. Chagrined, James grabbed the tray and brushed past his friend, leaving to him a richly deserved scolding from his sister.

Attempt #3 Fanny and Margaret had cajoled (threatened) John into attending Sunday services. John had in turn threatened and cajoled James and Frederick into doing the same. Sitting next to Fanny, thighs and elbows brushing, had left James hot and short of breath. Overly concerned that Fanny would feel the ring box in his pocket and unable to find a method of moving it unnoticed, James left the church feeling flustered- surely, he had been found out!

Fanny had noticed James today. Noticed the way his legs bounced constantly through the service and the amount of times he had mopped his brow. And how many times can a person clear their throat before one begins to think they are ill? She could not help but hear dear John's snicker when she leant closer to whisper "Are you quite well?" In James' ear, causing him to let out an undignified yelp!

No behaviour was more flummoxing than the way he took himself from church; moving with such speed and agitation that he seemed to blow bonnets off heads and smoke from his heels as he moved toward the door. Fanny could have held it together, being merely concerned and curious if it weren't for the fact that the darling man had not realised, in his haste through the courtyard, that his hat had been caught by a tree branch!

Curls bouncing in the sun, James carried himself further on, carrying on a rather futile internal dialogue. What a fool thing, to propose at Sunday services! What sort of man yelps when his beloved is near? Truly James Benwick, you are a dudd. A milksop! A Lieutenant in His Majesty's Navy and you are running scared!

Slowly becoming aware of someone trotting behind him, James heard a melodious voice calling his name amidst laughter. He knew that voice and turned to see Fanny coming toward him, bosom heaving from her exertion and a face pink from either the same or laughter (her eyes were crinkled).

"What the devil?" He began as he saw that she was holding what appeared to be his hat. Checking the top of his head and finding it bare was enough comedy to set Fanny into peals of laughter.

Walking toward each other, Fanny stopped James from claiming the hat. Instead, she reached out to adjust his curls and then placed the offending item exactly right. Smiling and taking his arm she said, "You are quite worrying today James. Are you well?"

James had no idea what to say. If he were to be honest, he was a wreck but if he admitted this and she asked why- that is not how he wanted to ask the love of his life to marry him. So, he shrugged, half smiling, as they continued to walk along the way home.

"I suppose," Fanny continued, "that a sailor and a strategist such as yourself must be thinking about the orders you have received." James looked questioningly at her. "John told me the news at breakfast this morning."

"It is a Sailor's lot. We are free to explore the world, to experience the majesty of the seas but must be ready to leave home whenever we are called, however poorly timed it is."

"Yes," agreed Fanny, "poor Margaret. Mind, she would never have John think that the timing affects her badly. She has been quite matter of fact, perhaps it is the nurse in her, stating that it is better to have John out of the way so that she may prepare for the babe."

"That is a picture! However, I must own to being selfish and thinking of the poor timing and how it relates to me. To us. I have never regretted my profession, only that now it will take me from your lovely company."

"James Benwick do be serious," Fanny blushed.

"I am serious Fanny Harville," James urged, stopping their wandering. His heart began to beat erratically in his chest as he cupped her cheek with a shaking hand. "You are the most bewitching creature I have ever known. Your dark, full beauty, your sharp mind, your compassionate heart. How can I leave such a woman?"

Fanny uttered his name as she leant her cheek into his hand and kissed his palm. With a sharp intake of breath James thought to himself this is it. I must do this now! Dropping his hand to grasp hers he stepped back to bend down on one knee, ready to supplicate at the feet of his goddess. Unfortunately, rather than finding even ground, his backwards foot found an obnoxious tree root. Moving to find a safer landing his shoe became stuck between the root and the ground. Wriggling his leg forward, James quickly lost balance and forgetting to let go of Fanny's hand had them both tumbling to the ground. James had the presence of mind to steer Fanny away from the root, only to find the closest mud puddle. With an ungracious splosh, Fanny looked at an astonished James, mud covering the pants, coat, dress, hat, face and hair of the pair in a ridiculous fashion.

What could be done but to laugh? Starting from a hum and chuckle, the rest of the group found them still sitting amidst glorious mud and gales of laughter. It took some time for everyone to be composed enough to help the muddy duo home.