Eighth Dispatch - [written]

[captainhornblower]

Wednesday, 31st August

I apologize that this cannot presently be done in person. I intended to rectify that as quickly as possible. However, since this journal is capable of sending this to multiple people at once, I do not feel as though I should delay any longer.

I want to thank those whom I have served with this last "draft," as you call it. I owe a particular debt and much gratitude to those of you who served on the Endurance. Our departure was sudden, or I would have thanked you by then. You did fine work, and I would consider it an honour to serve with you again.

I pray that all of you are no worse for the wear. Or that those injuries you suffered are on the fast mend.

Hornblower

Comments

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Enter.

[It's not unfriendly, simply how he is used to responding to a knock when unable or unwilling to get up. Usually because he is busy with letters or does not want to be disturbed. This time, it's because he's too sore to move quickly.

He's in the living room doorway by the time Jilly peeks in.]

Miss Jilly. Good evening. Please, come in.

[He's a bit uneasy with how poorly dressed he is-- trousers and shirt only. Not the way to greet any company, much less female company...

But he can't bear a waistcoat today.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

[By this time, Archie is on the couch with brandy. It is remarkable how much better it makes him feel.] Jilly! We were just recalling the days of our youth. Many ages ago, when we could both stand up.

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

At least your memories haven't been affected. Then what would you do to pass the time?

[they both get a smile as she comes further into the house, stopping long enough to set the soup on a nearby flat surface]

Do you mind the company?

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Do what any old men do when they tell stories. [He lets a bit of a smile come through.] Make them up as we go.

[He gestures to usher her in, though it's much more contained than he might otherwise have made. Lots of arm movement doesn't agree with his bound chest.]

Not at all, Miss Jilly. At least, I do not. Mr. Kennedy, though, might prove quite disagreeable. [It's light, easy.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

He's right, I do mind terribly, Jillian. [He turns a page in his book.]

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[the corners of her mouth quirked up as she moved to lean on the back of the couch]

Too bad. I guess my soup and I will have to go back home.

[action]

[captainhornblower]

Now, now. Just because Mr. Kennedy is in a foul temper today should not mean I should be punished by going hungry as well.

[He chuckled faintly, flashing a small smile.]

[action]

[simplestgift]

Oh, will you listen to that, Jilly? The one time in all his life Mr. Hornblower considered whether or not he should eat.

[action]

[tehoniongirl.livejournal.com]

[she laughs, relieved and happy and genuinely amused at the easy banter]

For that reason alone, I'd better stay. I might never see this opportunity come again.