A Lesson in Seamanship by Clonesgirl
Part VI: Epilogue
Three evenings later as it was almost time for his watch to finish, Acting Lieutenant Horatio Hornblower stood at the stern rail of 'Indefatigable' gazing aft. He was aware when, a few moments later, his Captain came to stand less than a foot behind him to his left. No one else was near. The crewman at the helm was Matthews.
Captain Pellew took a deep breath. "An uneventful watch, Mr Hornblower," he murmured after long moments.
"Indeed, sir," his youngest officer responded, noting that the first stars were beginning to appear as his captain moved to stand beside him, placing his right hand on the railing less than two inches from Hornblower's left.
His gaze firmly on the horizon, Captain Pellew allowed the small finger of his right hand to touch the small finger of Hornblower's left. It was with a considerable amount of satisfaction that he heard the tiny gasp, almost but not quite suppressed, as Hornblower reacted to the contact by immediately stretching out his finger to cover it, stroking it with utmost affection.
"The breeze is steady and the sky clear." He nodded to himself. "It will be a fair night."
"Indeed, sir." Hornblower managed to keep his voice steady, although the reaction of his treacherous body to the tiniest touch from his captain was shameful. He comforted himself with the thought that at least from this angle no one could see.
Although his eyes remained on the horizon he saw it not, for his gaze - indeed his whole being - was focussed on his Captain and lover. He was also painfully aware of his Captain inhaling deeply and turning slightly in his direction. Also, that the man's gaze had travelled lower to observe the visible evidence of his lover's response.
Gratified and pursing his lips a little to suppress his smile, Captain Pellew murmured, "Masts to the stars, Mr Hornblower?" His heart beating harder at the boldness of his invitation, he observed his young officer immediately stiffen a little and draw himself up to full height.
"And sails full, sir," was the quiet response.
Captain Pellew risked a sidelong glance at his beautiful lover, only to see the smile on his sweet lips, and the concerted effort to hide it. His spirits lifted in anticipation of the evening to come as he murmured, "That is well, Mr Hornblower. Carry on."
