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]

[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.