Page 49 of Indecent Desires of a Proper Lady
“Lady Margaret!” Charles called, and Margaret turned with fright to see an oddly waving Charles come out from the house.
Her eyes wide, she turned to Leonard who only smiled frustratingly in return. What was she to say to Charles? And why was he grinning as if he knew something that she did not?
Her heart refused to keep itself under control as Charles Hitchcock, walking as if had not a care in the world, no debts or formerly broken hearts in his wake, walked toward her with the same handsome smile that used to make her melt. It tried. She could feel its presence, and unfortunately, she could feel herself entirely speechless as he finally reached her.
Chapter Twenty-One
Philip swung his sword, and even though it was a dull tip, it caught his opponent under the arm, and the match was over. The superior officer, who had been walking through the practice matches, nodded in acknowledgement of Philip’s success.
“Excellent work, Winston. You will do well aboard your own ship, I think. Who knows what frights you might come across on our seas?” If Philip was not mistaken, the wizened older man nearly shuddered.
“I look forward to it, Sir. I have long been wanting to go on sea-faring adventures, to see what the world has to offer.”
“Yes, well, there is much to see. Of that I can certainly tell you. Whether it is important that we see it all, well that is an entirely different nature.” Philip was about to retort, when the officer called the men to retire for the afternoon until the later trainings.
Brent rushed up to Philip, his own bayonet in his hand. “I see you are experienced in swordplay, Winston. What is your excuse?” Sandy-haired and young, Brent’s every word dripped from him with confidence. Philip smiled. He was pleasant, and Philip appreciated a friend during this time.
He stared after the older sea captain, though, wondering what he hinted at and what he had seen. Perhaps all would turn out to be wizened and bitter like him, once they had all done their trips ‘round the world?
Philip finally remembered that Brent had asked him a question as they returned over the training fields to the barracks. “Yes, I have dabbled in fencing ever since I was a boy. I enjoyed the thrill of it.”
Brent nodded. “And what do you think you will do, though, when once upon the sea, pirates come aboard your ship, and you must use a true blade to fight against them? What will you feel when your first cut draws real blood?”
Philip didn’t know what to say as Brent clapped him on the back on their way to the afternoon meal. He had not thought about it overmuch. “I had hoped it would come through instinct.”
“Quite right, Winston. Commendable answer for an officer of the Navy.” Brent winked. “And what will your betrothed think? The woman you wish to spend all of your focus instead of your troublesome friend?”
Philip laughed, and they found a seat on one of the benches inside of the noisy barracks. Men were bustling about, to and fro, searching for their own places, and the smell of the day’s sweat was in the air.
“I think that she would wish to be in the fight. She is a writer, you know, anxious to be an author. And what else does an author seek but true experience?”
Brent sighed. “It is too bad that she is a woman, then, and cannot see for herself.”
“I agree. Although I am rather happy that she is female, since we are to be married.”
Collingsworth approached their table, laughing. “What is this about females? I must be involved. For, I have had enough of you men, and wish for the sight of lovely female company instead of the smell of these men, like pigs in their sty.”
“I could not agree more. I simply was expressing to Officer Brent that I would very much like to visit my betrothed, as we are nearing the end of our training.”
A servant began bringing bread and meat to the men’s ready plates, and Philip began to eat hungrily. He had not ever moved so much in his life until he had begun training with the Navy, and so he found that he was looking forward to each and every meal.
“Ah,” Collingsworth said, between bites, “I cannot wait to know who your betrothed is, so that I may decide just how beautiful she is.” He watched Philip with narrowed eyes. “But I think that for you, Winston, you would not choose someone who was not beautiful.”
“With such a handsome visage as you have,” Brent said, laughing.
“What happiness. To be complimented on one’s appearance by other men,” Philip joked. He found he rather liked barracks life, but Collingsworth’s words could not be truer. The sight of females with their graceful figures and delicate manners was something that they all desperately needed. For the last two weeks they had feasted merely on sweat, toil, and male camaraderie. It was enjoyable, but there was more to the world.
Philip dreamed about the moment he would bring Margaret into his arms and smell the sweetness of her hair, like lavender. It would be a welcome break from the heavy-laden, dirty scents of the men in his current company.
Brent broke him from his thoughts. “And so? When will you leave? Our training is soon to end, and you can be free from our odious company.”
Philip grinned. “I do hope to be free of the company come tomorrow. I shall head directly to her home.”
Collingsworth grimaced. “Surely, you will think to bathe first. Or perhaps it is not a lady that you go to visit?” The guffaws after the man’s statement made Philip roll his eyes and chuckle. He would most certainly bathe, and he would wish to look his best once he could begin the journey to making Margaret his wife.
* * *
“Lady Margaret, how pleasant to see you again,” Charles said, admiration pouring from his voice.
