Horatio had just settled into his bed, as luxurious and warm as it looked, when he heard a commotion in the adjoining room. Putting down the geography text he had selected to lull him into the arms of sleep, he slipped from the covers and cracked open the door.
Archie was manhandling a hammock mattress out of an opened sea chest.
"Didn't wake you I hope, Hornblower?" His friend tossed the bedding down, and began rummaging through the haphazardly packed possessions, tossing spare breeches and torn shirts about with a carelessness that made Horatio wince.
"Not at all, but... what are you doing Kennedy?"
Archie had reached the prized stash of books, and was quickly sorting through them with marginally more care than the clothes had been given. "The Old Man wants to see my log book."
"Now?" There was no timepiece in either of their rooms, but Horatio thought it must be no more than an hour to midwatch.
"Reports must be given promptly, Mr. Hornblower." Having found the item in question, Archie sat back, examining the rather battered volume with some resentment. "Fair warning, he'll probably ask to see yours tomorrow. To see what I've left out of my record."
Horatio's overfull stomach lurched at the thought, rather like it had when his teachers had announced a surprise exam. Archie didn't seem to notice, though, just gave a cheery, "Sleep well, Hornblower, I'll see you in the morning," before breezing out the hall door, leaving the mess behind.
Out of habit, Horatio gathered up the books at least, setting them on a table where they would not be accidentally trod upon. Then he shut the door to Archie's room, and headed back to his own bed, where sleep was slow to come even at that late hour.
Despite himself, despite his telling himself that the opinions of the Earl of Cassilis should mean nothing to him, Horatio eventually slipped from under the covers and rummaged in his own sea chest, returning to the sheets and candles with his log book in hand.
Being on the books was a venal but common custom, allowing future officers with connections to remain at school without penalty to their career. (And putting a few coins for their wages in their captain's pockets.) A certain number of years as volunteer and midshipman was required before a man could even test for lieutenant. But the younger a man gained his commission, the greater his prospects for future advancement under the strict seniority system of the British navy. Keene's bargain with his father had allowed Horatio to acquire an education that would serve him well when it came time for promotion to the higher ranks, without losing his place in line.
However, Horatio had already realized that the education his less fortunate peers received on ship was invaluable as well. Moreover, when they came before the board, they would have years of logs to show the committee, proving their experience. His own history would be obvious from the brief span of his entries, however he tried to expand their import with copious and exacting notes.
Reviewing them now, he found his lingering ruminations on the details of a decrepit, unwanted ship laying at anchor both pathetic and tedious. The events of his last few weeks, so momentous and life changing, were unreflected in the list of watch orders, soundings, and sexton readings. What remnants could be found there, the painfully objective recording of duties and punishments, his own and Archie's among them, would hardly improve either of their standing in the earl's estimation. Horatio hoped that at least the boy had also noted the disciplinary actions, so that his log book would hold no surprises for Captain Kennedy.
That night was one of the few times since deciding on the naval life that Horatio was glad not to have a sea captain for a father. Dr. Hornblower would ask him little about his weeks on Justinian, and care not at all about the contents of his log. Whatever might happen on the morrow, he had that benign incuriosity to look forward to when he was finally home, and the comfort of insignificance finally allowed him to sleep.
Feedback from readers is the best motivation in the world. Please consider clicking the review button. I accept anonymous reviews.