Lord Nelson

Indie RP blog for Lord Horatio Nelson 1758 -1805 Please read the rules and disclaimer before interacting

[admiraltyspride]

          Indie RP side-blog for a fictional version of Lord Horatio Nelson                                 Multimuse/OC/Crossover friendly       With flexible portrayal to allow for ‘time bending’ where necessary.                                       Mun is 30+, GMT +1 time zone,                              Please read disclaimer before interacting                                                Mobile friendly links                       DISCLAIMER || RULES || ABOUT || VERSES

[cbitus]

amelia   listened   ,   perhaps   a   bit   too   intently   ,   as   nelson   spoke   .   her   eyes   remained   fixed   upon   his   features   ,   his   expressions   ,   and   the   small   smile   that   softened   a   war   torn   face   .   (   it   humbled   her   in   a   way   she   had   never   experienced   before   )   .   most   men   ,   in   her   opinion   ,   were   little   more   than   brutish   thugs   ,   even   amongst   the   most   esteemed   sailors   of   the   navy   .   but   nelson   seemed   grounded   despite   his   years   of   experience   and   hard   earned   reputation   .   (   although   quite   mad   ,   if   the   most   recent   stories   were   to   be   believed   )   ,   he   nevertheless   filled   amelia   with   a   sense   of   national   pride   .   ironic   ,   considering   her   own   german   heritage   .

❝   .   .   .   though   my   studies   do   not   reveal   a   great   deal   regarding   the   spanish   navy   ,   i   am   aware   that   they   are   a   formidable   force   in   their   own   right   .   to   capture   two   ships   is   an   extraordinary   accomplishment   .   not   many   men   would   have   possessed   the   confidence   to   pursue   such   a   .   .   .   retrieval   .   ❞   for   a   moment   longer   ,   amelia   remained   lost   within   her   own   thoughts   ,   (   her   mind   wandering   towards   considerably   darker   places   )   .   she   found   herself   wondering   how   many   spanish   men   had   perished   amidst   the   blaze   of   battle   ,   and   whether   the   sea   itself   had   been   stained   a   delicate   shade   of   pink   .   (   such   unbecoming   thoughts   for   a   young   lady   )   ,   and   yet   they   drew   the   faintest   smile   across   her   features   nonetheless   .

but   eventually   ,   the   soft   sea   breeze   and   nelson's   question   drew   her   back   to   reality   ,   (   and   the   silent   smile   lingering   upon   her   features   )   vanished   far   too   soon   .   ❝   .   .   .   you   would   share   the   technical   details   with   a   woman   ?   my   .   .   .   lord   nelson   -   you   are   trying   to   curse   both   your   fleet   and   your   crew   now   .   such   blasphemy   .   i   shall   have   to   repent   for   it   at   church   this   evening   ,   i   am   sure   .   ❞   but   there   was   an   amused   gleam   in   her   eyes   that   revealed   she   had   no   intention   of   visiting   a   church   any   time   soon   .   (   alas   ,   his   suggestion   had   already   allowed   a   plan   to   take   root   )   within   her   mind   .   one   that   ,   should   it   ever   be   discovered   ,   would   carry   severe   consequences   not   only   for   herself   ,   but   for   her   father   as   well   .   naturally   ,   amelia   found   such   temptations   impossible   to   resist   .

❝   .   .   .   but   now   that   you   mention   it   ,   i   would   quite   like   to   know   how   many   people   a   ship   of   this   size   can   hold   .   i   am   sure   the   cargo   you   carry   across   the   seas   must   be   quite   the   inconvenience.   a   delightful   place   for   stowaways   ,   i   would   imagine   .   ❞

[admiraltyspride]

Nelson was more than comfortable talking with her about whatever mad strategy he had deployed to overcome the enemy. He would however make a point of leaving out the gory details. How the deck of the three ships had been so awash with blood that if a man were not wearing a band of distinction after slipping on quite literally a blood soaked deck, it would have been hard to tell which nation he was fighting for. The deck had been cleaned and repaired since that battle, the evidence of the blood soaking only really visible in the comparison of the new, brighter planks with the darkened, weathered ones making up the sole.

He hummed an agreement that the Spanish navy was a force to be reckoned with, he had clashed with them enough to have a very deep respect for them in turn though the curve of his mouth into a smile gave an early warning he was about to counter the fact of the Spanish being formidable. "Not so much that my fleet does not scare them when they see my colours. I'll take their fleet from them ship by ship and they are well aware of it. I suppose we are more the formidable navy now."

With another heart felt laugh for her tease on cursing again, Nelson thought about the church, his father, his faith, his wife and his affairs for just a flash of a moment before returning his attention to Lady Bach once again. She had a question about the crew numbers for the ship and he barely thought about it before answering. "There were eight hundred and fifty Spaniards aboard when she was captured." And one gravely wounded admiral but that was here nor there, he failed to mention how many were aboard now it was under British control quite on purpose. "She is a demanding vessel." Though it seemed her thoughts turned towards stoleways and Nelson shook his head without really picking up on the clues of what Lady Bach was intending to do because it would be utterly insane to try.

"I think any stoleway aboard a naval vessel is in for a terrible shock, Lady Bach." He had a few over the years of course, but they had been brought into the navy either willingly or not. "I have no tolerance for idle hands aboard a man of war." Work without the chance of sabotage or a watery escape was Nelson's punishment which remained much more lenient than most.

[cbitus]

lord   nelson   was   certainly   more   forthcoming   when   it   came   to   encouraging   a   young   woman's   interest   ,   allowing   stiff   shoulders   and   a   heavy   heartbeat   to   soften   ,   (   if   merely   unnoticeable   to   the   untrained   eye   )   .   perhaps   lady   bach   felt   more   at   home   upon   a   ship   than   back   home   with   her   endless   studies   .   though   of   course   ,   she   appreciated   the   ability   to   read   ,   write   ,   and   learn   ,   (   it   would   always   come   with   sacrifices   amelia   was   not   willing   to   accept   )   .   but   a   woman   of   her   standing   had   no   choice   but   to   obey   her   family's   wishes   .   she   indeed   felt   like   a   bird   in   a   golden   cage   ,   unwilling   to   leave   behind   the   finer   pleasures   in   life   ,   yet   (   equally   unwilling   )   to   acknowledge   the   sacrifices   they   would   cost   her  as   well   .

❝   .   .   .   i   do   not   curse   men   ,   lord   nelson   .   perish   the   thought   -   that   would   be   extremely   unladylike   for   a   woman   of   my   station   .   ❞   but   the   smile   upon   her   lips   revealed   an   entirely   different   story   .   (   though   raised   in   a   single   parent   household   for   the   better   part   of   her   childhood   )   ,   she   still   carried   the   core   values   of   her   mother   ,   alongside   the   rather   posh   understanding   that   most   men   were   simply   semi   cultured   apes   draped   in   human   skin   .   ❝   .   .   .   however   ,   i   would   enjoy   the   pure   embarrassment   of   being   told   off   by   a   woman   ,   and   slowly   watching   the   color   drain   from   his   face   .   i   am   ,   after   all   ,   a   prideful   yet   unmarried   woman   .   (   i   should   not   have   to   stand   for   such   imprudence   )   ,   either   way   .   ❞

alas   ,   it   was   not   lord   nelson's   directive   to   indulge   the   feelings   of   a   frivolous   young   woman   such   as   lady   bach   ,   (   nor   would   she   overstay   her   welcome   or   his   patience   )   .   she   was   ,   after   all   ,   exceedingly   grateful   to   be   allowed   aboard   such   a   wondrous   ship   .   thus   ,   amelia   chose   to   drop   the   matter   for   now   .   instead   ,   giving   the   ship   another   curious   look   .   her   hand   moved   towards   her   ridiculously   sized   hat   ,   (   far   too   heavy   and   far   too   uncomfortable   )   ,   holding   it   in   place   as   her   head   tilted   upwards   towards   the   giant   sails   above   them   .   ❝   .   .   .   i   do   not   wish   to   be   a   burden   ,   lord   nelson   .   .   .   ❞   lady   bach's   voice   slowly   trailed   off   ,   clearly   considering   her   next   words   with   great   care   .   eventually   ,   she   turned   back   towards   him   ,   an   uncertain   gleam   lingering   within   hazel   eyes   .

❝   .   .   .   this   is   your   ship   ,   no   ?   is   there   anything   you   would   like   to   share   about   it   ?   i   doubt   i   shall   ever   have   the   opportunity   to   see   you   in   such   a   manner   again   ,   (   and   thus   ,   i   find   myself   yearning   )   to   learn   as   much   as   possible   from   you   .   ❞   and   one   night   soon   ,   perhaps   amelia   would   encourage   herself   to   draw   the   ship   from   memory   alone   .   (   a   small   comfort   ,   certainly   )   ,   but   enough   to   discourage   her   heart   from   weeping   for   the   sea   nonetheless   .

[admiraltyspride]

There was a smile to his face as she reassured him she did not curse men, she had understood his joke in any case though she seemed keen on berating the officer for his advances. Nelson would have to summon him while they were at sea, it would mitigate against Lady Bach crushing the man's spirit before heading into battle but he would still try to correct the behaviour all the same. In the meantime, the other man was under his command and Nelson did feel responsible for him even if their departure had not actually started yet.

"You are right, Lady Bach," Nelson acknowledged, "you should not have had to endure such insult, I am ashamed the officer thought it his right or place to disrespect you in such a way. While we are at sea, I will see him suitably punished and depending on his reaction, a demotion may be on the table." He hated taking opportunity away from his men but sometimes it was merited, he expected his officers to be in control of themselves and mindful of their environment and company, the man showing a callousness in harassing Lady Bach suggested he was lacking in the awareness Nelson expected. They were at war after all, his men had to be careful.

For now it seemed Lady Bach was willing to delay her own reprimand for the other man and Nelson watched her hold onto her hat to look up at the sails being checked and prepared for their departure. His eyes lit up that bit more when he was invited to share something about the ship and Nelson visibly had to take a moment to not start rambling about the current ship. "This is HMS San Joseph," he announced proudly, "A ship my crew and I captured at St Vincent, actually we captured two ships at once, the first was San Nicholas, but San Joseph pulled along side to help as the flag ship and I saw an opportunity and boarded her as well."

He cast a look about the deck, a captured Spanish ship now painted in Nelson's famous yellow and black colours. His ship as far as he was concerned. "The surrender was fast and my method bares my name as Nelson's Patent Bridge for Boarding First Rates," He chuckled as it had originally been a joke, but no one had managed it since so it was still very much his own mad way. "Or do you prefer the technical details over the history?" He cocked an eyebrow but did not seem to mind sharing the facts at least.

[imprvdente]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇​ @admiraltyspride​ continued from here

Fish was surprised to find herself feeling quite so calm. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion, her heart beating quietly in her chest. This was the most important moment of her life, she could feel it. And yet, there was no nervousness or fear in her mind. Only… tranquility. Perhaps it was the result of bravery. Or foolishness. 

“He’ll put up a fight,” she replied casually, though she made sure to whisper back. The Captain was tall and strong, and vicious. But what could he do faced with the navy? Outnumbered? He was going to lose, no matter the outcome. Oh, she just wanted to look into his eyes and smile. Wasn’t it poetic, in a way? Betrayed by the scrawny little girl he had pretended to help, many years ago.

“He’s always got his pistol with him.” And a whip. “But we have the element of surprise.”

She glanced at Horatio, and she hardly looked like someone about to do a mutiny. Instead, she had a nonchalance to her. Whether the Admiral would find that reassuring or concerning, that was up to him. “Do what you must,” yes, kill him for all I care, throw his body to the sharks. It would be best to avoid bloodshed, of course. But how tempting though, to see life fleeing from the Captain’s eyes… 

“I’ll walk in first, to keep him unsuspectin’,” she offered, “and you can come in after. He won’t see it comin’, I can tell you that.”

[admiraltyspride]

Nelson expected nothing less of the pirate captain, he would have fought to the bitter end too if the situation was reversed. He had come in, made a deal with a mutineer, let her convince the crew that working with the navy would be better off than working against them and to his benefit too, the man was bound to be blindly furious and he imagined terrified. Mutinies usually ended in blood and this time they had the navy as back up.

A pistol was nothing that Nelson had not faced before and he gave a sure nod as he followed his new business partner towards the captain's cabin. He seemed to have thought about it, some preconceived plan perhaps. He imagined the navy was a surprise and an admiral turning up to do it for him a greater one but he had the impression that he had spent some time considering disposing of the captain to have been so casual about it in the first place. "I will count on your signal, perhaps a word to suggest you are ready?"

He would not steal his moment to potentially gloat if he needed it, lord knew he'd have loved several opportunities in the past and if the deal could be sweeter it might forge more than just a tentative alliance based on a mutiny and show some respect for him and his right aboard what was to be his new ship, if nothing else. That usually paid off for Nelson down the line. "You will know him better than I, if you prefer a word of subtlety that would not be too unusual for you to speak or one with more substance," aka an inside reference that would feel particularly good to say to the captain's face just before either arrest or death, "then we shall listen out for it."

[cbitus]

an   unwanted   chuckle   escaped   lady   bach   at   the   mention   of   seasickness   .   the   remark   reminded   her   far   too   much   of   her   own   mother   ,   who   could   (   scarcely   leave   her   cabin   )   whenever   amelia's   father   permitted   her   to   accompany   him   on   his   various   ventures   .   ❝   .   .   .   has   it   ever   occurred   to   you   that   perhaps   the   seasickness   is   merely   your   body's   way   of   informing   you   that   you   are   missed   at   home   ?   the   people   you   leave   behind   .   .   .   they   worry   more   than   you   realize   .   ❞   amelia   answered   solemnly   ,   (   allowing   her   gaze   to   drift   briefly   toward   lord   nelson   )   .   the   remark   had   not   been   intended   to   dampen   the   mood   .   if   anything   ,   it   had   been   offered   as   a   balm   for   the   soul   ,   a   gentle   comfort   .   and   for   a   fleeting   moment   ,   (   she   found   herself   wondering   whether   her   father   )   ,   now   sailing   somewhere   along   the   distant   borders   of   africa   ,   ever   suffered   from   seasickness   himself   .   for   all   his   faults   and   misdeeds   ,   lady   bach   missed   him   terribly   .

but   the   faint   flush   that   colored   her   cheeks   afterward   ,   brought   on   by   the   mere   suggestion   of   ignorining   her   father's   wishes   ,   caught   the   air   within   her   lungs   entirely   .   (   her   heart   skipped   a   beat   ,   momentarily   fazed   )   and   dangerously   close   to   abandoning   all   reason   in   favor   of   dashing   straight   onto   his   ship   .   alas   ,   for   all   the   excitement   threatening   to   betray   her   ,   lady   bach   merely   lowered   her   head   in   quiet   respect   .   ❝   .   .   .   some   would   consider   it   bad   luck   to   bring   a   woman   aboard   a   ship   ,   lord   nelson   .   for   all   you   know   ,   i   could   be   a   witch   intent   on   bewitching   your   sailors   .   ❞   (   at   last   ,   a   smile   appeared   once   again   -   and   lady   bach   stepped   forward   nonetheless   )   .   of   course   ,   amelia   placed   little   faith   in   such   stories   ,   nor   did   she   possess   any   intention   of   distracting   the   men   from   their   duties   .   truthfully   ,   (   her   interest   in   men   had   always   been   somewhat   .   .   .   lacking   )   .

amelia   then   grasped   the   hems   of   her   dress   ,   (   lifting   the   fabric   a   few   modest   inches   )   before   beginning   her   ascent   along   the   narrow   wooden   plank   .   feet   now   far   more   accustomed   to   solid   ground   than   restless   waves   struggled   ever   so   slightly   against   the   ship's   movement   ,   though   eventually   she   stepped   onto   the   deck   .   all   the   while   ,   she   remained   close   to   lord   nelson's   side   .   (   the   difference   between   this   vessel   and   her   father's   trade   ships   became   apparent   almost   immediately   )   .   there   was   a   discipline   to   these   sailors   ,   an   elegance   in   the   way   they   carried   themselves   and   performed   their   duties   ,   that   far   surpassed   anything   she   had   ever   witnessed   amongst   a   hired   merchant   crew   .   ❝   .   .   .   the   .   .   .   rather   unruly   dog   of   a   man   who   so   thoroughly   indulged   in   my   presence   -   is   he   aboard   this   ship   as   well   ?   i   should   hate   to   make   a   grown   man   weep   in   front   of   all   his   friends   .   ❞

[admiraltyspride]

Lady Bach's view on seasickness was very touching and her reminder that he would be missed by those that loved him while he was at sea stung as he thought of Emma and Horatia. Oh, how he'd love to stay with them but he was forever restless on land, despite best efforts. Her words were meant as a balm though and he did take it as such, offering her a thankful smile. "I had not considered such a notion before, thank you Lady Bach, perhaps the sickness can be more a comfort and a pull towards home once again." Though he knew his commissions were not short, this one could stretch over the 12 month mark and leave was not possible for a man of his rank.

It was Nelson's turn to laugh when she suggested some thought it bad luck to bring a woman aboard or that she might be a witch. "I trust that is not the case, in my experience it has not invoked the wrath of the sea to have women aboard." He thought of Fish who was no doubt helping the officers and crew prepare for departure. "As for witches," he mused as he followed her onto the wooden walk way, careful not to crowd her but close enough to offer some physical support should she lose her balance, "from my travels, I cannot say that even I have managed to attract the wrath of witches thus far and I trust that it will not be the case with you." He chuckled, though he was a sailor and superstition did often win out against his logic.

Once aboard, the whistle blew to announce his arrival on the ship and the sailors next to the walkway were quick to turn and salute him, some offering greeting to which Nelson acknowledged but did not linger, not wanting Lady Bach to feel abandoned. She asked of the man that had offended her and Nelson gave a more playful laugh, "Do you seek to curse him after all, Lady Bach?" He teased her but then shook his head, "He will be aboard another ship, though I suspect he has already scampered to hide below deck there too however, I would not begrudge you the opportunity to make him weep in front of his friends there too." She would not gain access alas, or at least so Nelson thought anyway.

"Might you instead be more interested in admiring the ship, I do not doubt you would gain a great deal of satisfaction from encountering him again yet I worry it would sour the experience in being aboard." He paused and looked back out down the walk way. He could summon the man if she really wanted to make her point clear he supposed but Nelson would rather let him hide on another ship and face her wrath on his return instead.

[imprvdente]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐅𝐈𝐒𝐇​ @admiraltyspride​

Fish smiled fondly. She felt very protective of Horatia, and was touched that her little sister asked of her in her letters. She had never had any siblings before Horatia, never had to worry about a soul younger than hers. But the years of lonesome survival were long gone, for Fish. “I adore her too,” she replied, “please tell her in your letter that I think of her often.”

“It is a price I’ve always been willing to pay,” she mused, “besides, I don’t think I could live on land for too long, I’d probably wither away.” Like a flower without water! The pull of the ocean was always too strong, always tugging at Fish’s heart. It had made her leave Nassau when she was just a child, and even now, as an adult, she felt it. Perhaps even more so now that she had a life and a carreer at sea. Luckier than most, she had her father by her side, making the choice easier.

“Undeserving?” she repeated, frowning. “You saved me from a life of misery and servitude. You are my blessing, dad.” But her frown melted away when he compared her to a bird, replaced by another smile.

He asked her if she could ever settle ashore, and while she had unknowingly replied to his question a few seconds ago, she shook her head in answer. “I don’t think I could. I know it is what society expects of me, but I have never been very good at caring about such things.” Her eyes glimmered playfully. Her father always supported her in her decisions.

“It would have all been far easier if I had been born a man,” she admitted a little bitterly, frustrated by the expectations of the world. But her father had always been an offered hand through it all, encouraging her. Opening doors that would have otherwise remained closed. “I must manage with what life has dealt me. I’ve never been meant for a peaceful life as a wife, on shore. This is where I belong, you know it too. I will fight harder and work harder than any man if I must. But I will never settle for a life I do not desire.”

[admiraltyspride]

"She's too young to read the letters herself, you could still send some of your own." He couldn't promise that Emma would read her letters to Horatia though, he hoped she would but well, even he had to admit that she was somewhat fickle in her moods when it came to Fish among others. "You could always write to your Uncle William to read them to her," he offered with some acknowledgement that he was aware of the Emma situation, though his eldest brother was hardly reliable.

She answered his question twice over and Nelson was at least then sure that she did not want to settle on land. He hadn't robbed her of anything but he did have to worry about what the rest of society might do or think of her in the years to come, especially when peace came and the public and admiralty grew bored. He only smiled at her for her reassurance and compliments though, he wasn't sure he did deserve Fish in his life but that did not mean he wasn't grateful to have her in it!

She was determined not to settle on shore and Nelson nodded. "I think you would have faced the same problem even as a man," he teased softly, "the calling is the same, the sea doesn't care if you are a man or a woman." Though she was talking about expectations and that wasn't lost on him either, he'd fought hard, advocated for her too, it was his rule breaking, recklessness and international fame and 'heroism' that had gained him something akin to a right to dismiss norms in any case. Though ever the walking contradiction, he was fearful of what might happen to he and Emma should their truth ever be uttered out loud in the wrong circles.

"I would even go as far as to say that as a woman, you are gaining more recognition." He pointed out, thinking of Josiah who had since faded into obscurity, though Nelson still funded his education and career, as he did for his nieces and nephews too. "So, make them swallow their words and regret ever doubting you," he cracked a smile, cheered up as he held his glass near his mouth and mischievously suggested, "and enjoy every moment of it," over the rim of his glass, before he took a sip.

[brittunculii]

@admiraltyspride || cont. from here.

Some thirty ships or thereabouts. Arthur turned the estimate over in his mind as he drank from a bottle of rum he’d successfully coaxed from Victory’s generous purser, not entirely without impatience, though few better than he understood the value of a stirring patriotic oration to the families of men soon to sail into the unknown. The bulk of the Franco-Spanish fleet remained at anchor in Cádiz, intact, and this fact sat ill with Britain. It had done so from the moment Collingwood’s dispatch was laid upon his desk, for Bonaparte was not a man to suffer such a force to languish in idleness for long.  Arthur had no intention of being anywhere else while the means of securing the channel against future designs lay apparent before him. Britain was growing weary of this war; worn thin by this accursed and interminable business; and if he could not yet bring the whole wretched farce to its conclusion, he might at least see his finest men strategically placed so as to ensure that France would never again presume to menace him with the threat of invasion. That was why Arthur was present aboard the flagship of the man he regarded the ablest among them, his presence a tacit declaration that here, upon this venture, the fate of all else would be decided. Leaning idly against the mizzenmast, his countenance concealed beneath the lowered brim of his hat, Arthur worked the rind from an orange with his penknife in slow, even strips, listening as Nelson addressed the crowd from across the quarterdeck. Having come aboard as a gentleman rather than an officer—in rich dark wool yet void of lace or epaulette—the crew had little by which to account for the attention they found themselves paying him. Vice-Admiral Nelson, however, required no such accounting. A faint smile stirred on Arthur’s lips. Modesty was not among his natural virtues (though propriety required he conduct himself as though it were). He wanted men to feel what Nelson made them feel; needed them to believe that England was worth whatever was demanded of them. Nelson could make men accept that their sacrifice was not merely a matter of duty but devotion, and unlike most individuals who possessed that gift, he was entirely sincere in the employ of it. That was what made him outstanding. Only once the brief speech had concluded, and the crew turned to their duties, did Arthur approach the other before he could descend to his cabin. “You may have lost your arm, my friend, but you have not lost your touch for moving the nation by words as well as deeds.” He offered a slice of his orange without the least formality between them. “It should serve us well in the weeks to come.”

[admiraltyspride]

They were daunting odds from what he had understood from the report and even he knew that the report might not be totally accurate. He'd have loved to think that Collingwood had counted wrong but his dear friend was not known for such mistakes. Nelson did not know what would be awaiting them and he did not know if they were leaving with enough time to intercept the fleets either, all he did know was that failure was not an option. Failure meant invasion and it was a burden he had placed upon his own shoulders for better or worse.

Retreating below decks had been the aim, while his Great Cabin would still be bustling with movement, officers and otherwise it would be easier to appear to be checking his belongings or pouring over maps well enough to have some moments to collect himself after walking through the streets to the pleas of many of his fellow country men and women begging him to succeed.

A familiar voice stopped him in his tracks though, as it always would with Nelson and he turned to see a gentleman rather than an officer but Arthur required no introduction to him. Nelson beamed at him at his compliment and offer of an orange slice, which he took without ceremony. "I try my best," he teased softly but felt a great weight lifting to know that Arthur was aboard. "I had my ears bent with whispered complaints that my speeches in the House of Lords were too wordy and had offended many bored minds who seemed to believe me some sort of entertainer rather than naval commander."

He looked to the orange slice in his hand but decided against putting it in his mouth for the moment, not wanting to disrupt his conversation with his friend, inspiration and to whom he had actually sworn his loyalty to.

"I am glad to see you aboard," a very genuine comment indeed and Nelson regarded him for just a moment, smile and pride hard to hide as he settled on the implications and idea that England truly was with them for the battle to come. "It brings me a great comfort that you are here and admittedly a sense of pride that you would chose to be." And with that Nelson turned to enjoying his small slice of orange and stalled his intent to head below deck, standing with Arthur and looking back to the shore once again. He did not really wish to leave home, not now, now with Merton still being established, with little Horatia left at home, with Emma waiting for him. His heart was heavy but duty as ever was paramount. Thoughts and feelings mused upon while he politely ate his orange slice.

[cbitus]

there   was   a   noticeable   gleam   within   lady   bach’s   eyes   at   the   mention   of   shared   travels   ,   and   her   heart   -   though   amelia   herself   had   yet   to   properly   recognize   it   ,   (   began   skipping   beats   within   her   chest   )   .   it   was   a   quiet   yet   suffocating   longing   ,   one   she   constantly   attempted   to   suppress   and   sever   herself   from   .   (   yet   she   failed   regardless   )   .   the   hunger   remained   ,   only   ever   briefly   soothed   whenever   her   father   returned   from   his   voyages   carrying   some   small   gift   meant   to   satisfy   amelia’s   ever   growing   ache   for   the   sea   .   but   it   meant   little   -   because   lady   bach   knew   ,   this   was   all   she   would   ever   get   to   see   from   the   world   beyond   .   ❝   .   .   .   i   was   still   a   child   the   last   time   my   father   allowed   me   to   accompany   him   on   one   of   his   voyages   .   through   his   grace   ,   i   was   fortunate   enough   to   witness   different   cultures   and   distant   places   .   .   .   (    it   also   granted   me   the   opportunity   to   visit   germany   from   time   to   time   )   .   ❞

a   came   smile   then   ,   soft   and   almost   wistful   ,   as   amelia’s   hazel   eyes   settled   more   intently   upon   the   ship   before   them   .   (   there   lingered   within   her   an   undeniable   urge   to   step   aboard   )   ,   to   feel   the   solemn   weight   of   restless   waves   beneath   her   feet   one   final   time   .   ❝   .   .   .   i   imagine   it   must   be   much   the   same   for   you   .   you   have   seen   far   more   of   the   world   than   i   ever   will   -   albeit   under   .   .   .   considerably   more   dire   circumstances   ,   i   would   assume   .   ❞   finally   ,   lady   bach   allowed   her   eyes   to   linger   upon   the   taller   man   ,   (   carefully   inspecting   the   years   of   war   carved   quite   literally   into   his   body   )   .   somewhere   beneath   her   usual   composure   ,   amelia   found   herself   quietly   admiring   his   courage   and   relentless   tenacity   .

❝   .   .   .   i   am   to   be   wed   to   a   colleague   of   my   father’s   .   unfortunately   ,   he   possesses   rather   traditional   views   regarding   who   is   permitted   to   set   foot   upon   a   ship   .   ❞   not   that   lady   bach   had   ever   truly   attempted   to   argue   with   her   fiancé   on   the   matter   .   (   doing   so   would   inevitably   upset   lord   bach   )   ,   and   in   turn   place   unnecessary   strain   upon   the   carefully   constructed   partnership   between   the   two   men   .   ❝   .   .   .   alas   ,   being   here   with   you   ,   my   lord   ,   will   likely   be   the   last   time   i   ever   set   eyes   upon   a   ship   again   .   i   imagine   my   future   husband   intends   to   .   .   .    relocate   me   as   quickly   as   possible   .   he   has   never   been   particularly   fond   of   my   fiery   nature   .   ❞

[admiraltyspride]

He supposed in her younger years it made sense that her father would keep her with him, though he had heard of the Bach family he was not so overly involved in high society, despite best attempts, as to know the dynamics of each of them. He knew now that Amelia's mother had passed away and he wondered if that had been the reason she was brought aboard with her father until she was old enough to be left in a place of education at least.

Nelson spared a glance between her and his ship, he knew when someone had the call of the sea in their ears and she certainly looked like she wanted to board. He looked up to it too and spotting the poor boatswain peering over the edge at them. Somewhat entertained, Nelson pretended not to see him and turned back to Amelia as she spoke. "I have been at sea since I was twelve, when I am on land I crave nothing more than the waves and when I am at sea I crave nothing more then home." He smiled and thought of his family he left behind when he left, though there was one aboard this time, he was fortunate.

"I have been to wonderous places, Lady Bach, from the ice wall at the top of the world, to the unexplored jungles of the new world, still out for discovery. The war has made it necessary for me to spend my time on open ocean or mercifully at present, in the Mediterranean." There were far worse places to be stationed. "For all my years at sea though, I still find myself terribly sea sick." He confessed and gave the ship a little frown for it.

Lady Bach revealed more of her upcoming fate, to be married off and snatched from what she loved. Nelson could never do that to his beloved daughters though and he considered what she had just told him. "Then you should make the most of the opportunity," he decided and looked up to the boatswain to give him some acknowledgement that he was coming aboard. "You should accompany me on board while we are in the dock. I cannot take you out to sea but if I can grant you some solace in indulgence for just an hour on the deck, I would gladly grant it." He gestured towards the small walk way that lead to the officers way onto the ship. A small doorway marked with the King's insignia in gold pain on a black board of wood, it lead to the middle gundeck.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

"Un de vos capitaines?" she repeated, frowning. Marianne's trust, so far, only extended to Horatio. But it was undeniable that he wouldn't be able to grab her and run. So, she had no choice but to take his word for it, and trust that his Captain would indeed play along. "J'espère que vous vous rendez compte que vous m'en demandez beaucoup. Mais je comprends qu'il vous faudra l'aide de votre Capitaine pour me capturer."

"Merci," she said of the bayonet he had agreed to give to her once they were aboard his ship, and away from view. The plan had taken shape -it was reckless and a little bit mad, but it was not a bad plan.

She looked in the distance. The port was still visible from where they were, but it was small and blurry. It would be bustling with people now; sailors, merchants and nobles alike. "Quand voulez-vous mettre notre plan en place? Nous n'avons pas beaucoup de temps. Mon absence finira pas être notée, si nous attendons trop longtemps."

[admiraltyspride]

Concern was expected she had of course only dealt with him so far and he owed her for her efforts of leaving the cell door open and the one with the window unlocked. He thought she felt she could trust him but he knew that might not extend to Hardy. "Il est l'un de mes amis les plus dignes de confiance et les plus chers, il comprendra la mission et même s'il ne le fait pas, il l'exécutera tel qu'ordonné." She would have to trust his word and judgement, much of their plans had depended on trust and she had offered much of hers to him. He was not about to betray it.

"Nous pouvons le faire aujourd'hui. Donnez-moi une heure pour rassembler mes hommes et expliquer ce qui doit se passer, ainsi que pour informer mon ami." He also looked out towards the port and trying to judge how close they might need to be in order to catch enough attention to be chased but not so much that they didn't even get out of the bay. "Nous pouvons essayer à quelques lieues du port, assez pour que les télescopes puissent voir mais que les canons ne soient pas à portée." He cracked a smile, though it was a little unsure, "Ils savent qu'une petite chose comme un tir de canon ne peut pas vous tuer. Moi et mes hommes ? J'imagine que ce sera très tentant."

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

"Je n'aurais pas besoin de recourir à de la réelle violence pour vendre notre petite illusion," she assured him, secretly flattered that he was worried about her hurting him or one of his men. "Ne vous inquiétez pas."

Relieved when he told her that he was not planning on harming civilians, Marianne relaxed a little bit. "Je doute qu'ils vous donnent des raisons de le faire, mais je pense qu'il est sage de s'attendre à ce qu'ils jettent des choses en votre direction. Juste des légumes, si vous avez de la chance." And if he was not lucky, it would probably be rocks.

She raised her eyebrows. So, he was planning on grabbing her? But he only had one arm left, despite his skillful disguise. How would that work? "Je serais relativement offensée," she offered sincerely in reponse, "mais je comprend que c'est une façon efficace de me capturer. Cependant, je ne peux m'empêcher de me demander comment vous comptez m'emporter physiquement? Sans vouloir vous vexer."

His question did seem to please her. "J'ai beaucoup d'armes de prédilection. Mais un mousquet avec une baïonnette fera parfaitement l'affaire."

[admiraltyspride]

He would have to trust that she wouldn't use too much force in resisting he and his men, she had to make it look good and he imagined there would be a couple of bruises but nothing that would actually impair him or any of his men for what was to come. She seemed to visibly relax a little more when he reassured her he wasn't going to go looking to hurt civilians and while he nodded they would through stuff at him, he wasn't too convinced it would be only vegetables. With any luck though they would be far enough out of range of anyone with more serious weapons.

She was rightly sceptical of his ability to just grab her and Nelson let out a little laugh and shook his head. "J'aurais bien peur de ne pas avoir beaucoup de chances," of course Nelson only really had one man in mind, the one who most recently was dragged into his various shenanigans out at sea and had mercifully escaped before he had been captured too. "Cependant, l'un de mes capitaines sera capable de le faire de manière convaincante. Je vous assure qu'il est plus gentleman que moi." Hardy of course was the go to and trusted man for the job.

In any case he had not taken offense to her concerns, they were valid and he knew his own limits, though that did not mean he had made every effort to adapt. A bayonet was chosen and Nelson agreed with a nod, "Je peux vous l'obtenir et vous le présenter une fois que nous serons à l'abri et hors de la vue de toute foule." He figured they could take her from the coastal town and ride further up the coast as fast as they could before boarding their ships. Just in sight long enough to be spotted doing so.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

Marianne cocked an eyebrow a Horatio, lips pinched. "Oui, je comprends un peu mieux ce qu'ils ressentent," she conceded dryly. It was certainly a mad plan -one she found insulting, too. But it was also a good plan. "Ne vous inquiétez pas, je ferais en sorte que personne ne puisse penser celà. Je ne me rendrais jamais calmement. Même pour une fausse capture."

Not only did she not want people to learn of her scheming, but she was also too proud to accept anything but a violent capture. She was France. She was not about to surrender peacefully, no matter the context.

Horatio pointed out that they would have to make sure no one got hurt, on either side. No englishmen and no frenchmen. Marianne nodded. As long as they were allies, she would have to worry about both her men and his. And while she certainly disliked having to protect the enemy, she was a woman of her word. "Si vous me capturez au port, devant tout le monde, cela fera assez de bruit pour que la nouvelle de ma capture arrive rapidement aux oreilles de Napoléon. Et comme cela, ni vos hommes ni les miens n'auront l'opportunité de se battre, au milieu de la foule."

She eyed him. "Mais le peuple de France connait mon visage, les gens pourraient éssayer de venir à mon secour. Il faudra que l'affaire soit bruyante, mais rapide. Je refuse que des innocents soient blessés."

[admiraltyspride]

With the dry confirmation, she had only a smile in return, polite, roguish in its own right but not malicious. While their goals aligned then there wasn't much that Nelson would do to upset her of course but if she wanted to save face, the pair of them had to make compromises to make the capture convincing enough to force Napoleon out onto the waves.

She would make a scene of it of course as they needed to do but Nelson considered her for a moment, "Veuillez vous abstenir de frapper trop fort." He didn't want any of his men getting hurt either. His head was clearly spinning in trying to come up with a means to make the capture convincing, somewhat dignified but fast and effective too. He didn't want an angry French mob of civilians coming after him to save her. He of course was not looking to harm the French people if they were not in uniform and actively trying to invade his home or kill his men. They would not understand that it was a rouse though and he had to be prepared for that. Maybe a minimal crew would be best for the opreration.

"Je ne voudrais pas blesser des civils," he tried to reassure her in any case though he would of course defend himself if he had to. "Seriez-vous très offensé si vous étiez physiquement emporté ?" He expected she would be but that would sell it all the more right? If they were too respectful of her then Napoleon might become suspicious.

He tried there to think of a way to quell too much insult and quickly followed up with "Quelle est votre arme de prédilection ? Nous pouvons vous la fournir une fois que vous serez à bord."

Pirate Captain Fish and Admiral Nelson Continued from Here @imprvdente

Evidently she had become very good at hiding that she was a woman and Nelson could only really smile and nod at her in response to that. It was tragic she had been forced to do so in the first place but all the more impressive that she had pulled it off so spectacularly that she could not only lead a mutiny against her former abuser but also keep a tight control of the pirate ship she now captained.

She accepted his compliment though she did at first seem to consider arguing with him around how she had managed all she had while maintaining her disguise. He smiled and for a moment he didn't really know what to say, he'd got his reassurances and compliments across but maybe she needed some sort of promise that he was still on her side.

"You have no need to worry of me revealing you, this is your ship and crew after all, I am but a surprise guest," he smiled given the nature of his arrival onto the ship and his constant worrying over his fleet as the storm raged on, he was not in charge of her nor her vessel, she was not part of his fleet. "Though I feel compelled to inform you that should you need to seek shelter for whatever reason, accommodations can be made upon my flag ship for you." If her crew found out and it did not go well, or if something else happened and she needed protection that was.

"Providing she has not crashed beneath the waves of this storm that is." He glanced to her cabin windows, seeing the sea churning beyond and the thunder rattling through the ship. He had to turn away, his eyes shut as he tried to settle his stomach. Oh how he hated storms and he was already so very twitchy in wanting to be able to check the deck and watch for signs of his sailors in distress or his worst nightmare, a ship ablaze!

[admiraltyspride]

Pirate Captain Fish and Admiral Nelson Continued from Here @imprvdente

Evidently she had become very good at hiding that she was a woman and Nelson could only really smile and nod at her in response to that. It was tragic she had been forced to do so in the first place but all the more impressive that she had pulled it off so spectacularly that she could not only lead a mutiny against her former abuser but also keep a tight control of the pirate ship she now captained.

She accepted his compliment though she did at first seem to consider arguing with him around how she had managed all she had while maintaining her disguise. He smiled and for a moment he didn't really know what to say, he'd got his reassurances and compliments across but maybe she needed some sort of promise that he was still on her side.

"You have no need to worry of me revealing you, this is your ship and crew after all, I am but a surprise guest," he smiled given the nature of his arrival onto the ship and his constant worrying over his fleet as the storm raged on, he was not in charge of her nor her vessel, she was not part of his fleet. "Though I feel compelled to inform you that should you need to seek shelter for whatever reason, accommodations can be made upon my flag ship for you." If her crew found out and it did not go well, or if something else happened and she needed protection that was.

"Providing she has not crashed beneath the waves of this storm that is." He glanced to her cabin windows, seeing the sea churning beyond and the thunder rattling through the ship. He had to turn away, his eyes shut as he tried to settle his stomach. Oh how he hated storms and he was already so very twitchy in wanting to be able to check the deck and watch for signs of his sailors in distress or his worst nightmare, a ship ablaze!

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

"Merci." Marianne smiled softly, touched by Horatio's comment. Her smile, however, faded not too long after, replaced by a frown. "Capturée?" she repeated, her voice a little bit too high-pitched for it to bode well.

"Par vous?"

For a second, it looked like she was going to take offence, perhaps even get mad like she had back at the prison. Her eyes shone bright, her lips were pursed. Captured! By an Englishman, of all people! The audacity of that admiral was baffling. What a boor, what a...-

But Marianne's anger softened before the storm could truly explode. She spoke of pride, and how it was the downfall of men -and yet had she not just been prideful? Her fake capture would certainly lure Napoleon to sea. Not only that, but it would expertly hide her participation in this scheme.

"Je déteste votre idée," she said before anything else. "Mais je dois reconnaître qu'elle est ingénieuse. Napoléon ne pourra pas rester sur terre, si il sait que j'ai été capturée." Her ego would be bruised. But it was only a small sacrifice, for the good of her people. And was it all that mattered? Their plan had to be succesful. Napoleon had to die "Il sera aussi plus aisé pour moi d'être à bord de votre navire, en ces circonstances. On ne pourra m'accuser d'avoir conspirer avec l'ennemi."

[admiraltyspride]

Well he thought that was about to go down like a rock when she appeared almost mortified at the idea of suggesting she pretend to be captured by him. She shifted in the same way she had in the cell and Nelson really did hope she was not about to push him into the sea. He watched her though, a little wary still just in case that became an option for her yet she calmed down again and gave her honest opinion of the idea. He cracked a smile, relieved!

"Vous comprenez maintenant ce que ressentent mes compatriotes lorsque je fais des suggestions." Mad plans but they worked for the most part anyway and so far to his every success. "Nous pouvons bien sûr en faire tout un spectacle. Je ne voudrais pas que quelqu'un pense que vous êtes venu calmement."

A pause and Nelson considered how to go about that carefully too. She would be furious if they killed any of her protectors in her capture and he would equally be furious if his men died for a rouse. "Nous devrions le rendre très convaincant mais sans sacrifier de main-d'œuvre de part et d'autre." As far as Nelson was concerned, any disarmed Frenchman was better than an armed one as the war dragged on but he knew to protect his men, he had to accept he'd have to protect hers too.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

"Le peuple de France le sait," she assured him firmly. Marianne did not doubt that, not for one moment. She had always stood with them -in war, in sickness, in revolts. She was theirs, and theirs alone. Utterly devoted to them. Marianne was like a guarddog, only loyal to the sheep it protects. Ready to bite for them, kill for them. "C'est tout ce qui m'importe."

She sat down next to Horatio, on the wall. Her eyes were lost in the waves, but her mind was focused on the problem at hand. "Je pense qu'avec une audience, il se sentirait obligé d'agir, oui. Son égo est trop grand pour qu'il se laisse intimider par toi, surtout ici, sur les côtes de France." A smile curved her lips. "Il est un tacticien habile, je ne le conteste pas. Mais comme tous les hommes, son orgeuil sera sa perte."

Marianne looked away from the sea to look at Horatio. "Si il m'écoutait, il ne se serait pas proclamé empereur." There was bitterness in her voice, dripping from her lips like poison. "Il ne porte que peu d'intérêt à ce que j'ai à dire, et ne m'utilise que comme un outil. Une indication de la prospérité de notre patrie. Pourquoi? Esperiez-vous que je lui dise de vous affronter en mer?"

[admiraltyspride]

Well there was at least that devotion in her, he didn't doubt it for one moment either. Marianne belonged to the French people not it's governance and he respected that. He might not have fully comprehended how her kind worked but he was reassured they could not be bought by those who sought power. "Ils ont beaucoup de chance de vous avoir."

He didn't budge when she sat down next to him on the wall, he thought it was most casual and in truth he doubted that she would take any offense to it. He did glance at the hat box quickly, unable to stop himself but he was listening too, Napoleon's weakness was pride and while neither of them could be sure that he would meet him on the waves, Nelson at least knew if he could humiliate Napoleon it might be enough to turn the tides against him elsewhere should he fail in what he was sure would be his last chance. His heels kicked absently and gently at the sea wall.

She looked back to him again at his question and he could see and sense the bitterness in her tone, Napoleon had insulted her, he was so bold as to believe possibly even spat in her face for his disregard of her wishes. She worked out his plan and Nelson answered with an honest, "Oui." He returned to pondering again and looked out towards the fort on the coast, he'd dealt with worse but Copenhagen had been a vicious battle, his hardest in fact. So he thought what it would take to lure him onto land to fight.

His blue eye slowly turned to look at her as an idea hatched in his head. "Comment vous sentiriez-vous à l'idée de faire semblant d'être capturé?" Cheeky again perhaps but she had to see at least part of his plan. If pride was Napoleon's weakness then losing France herself to Nelson would surely be enough to force the man to face him, if nothing else to bring Marianne back to him.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

"Je vois ça," she chuckled lightly, though she was talking less about his fake arm, and more about his escape and then his return to France. "Je tiens ma parole. A deal is a deal. C'est l'expression, n'est-ce-pas?"

Marianne didn't want him putting his hat on right away, as it would defeat the entire purpose of their discreet meeting. And so, she was relieved when he asked her to hold onto the hat for now. "Bien sûr. Vous pourrez être réuni avec votre chapeau lorsque nous seront à bord."

"Qui me soupçonnerai?" she asked, though the question required no answers. Nobody would ever suspect her. Not even the guard who had mistaken their scheming for something else entirely. "Votre évasion a causé bien des vagues, mais aucune d'entre elles ne m'a mouillé. Je ne sais pas si je pourrais en dire autant de ce que nous nous apprêtons à faire, mais il n'y a aucun risque que je ne prendrais pas pour le peuple de France."

She pondered over his question for a few seconds. "Je suis sûre que vous pourriez l'attirer en mer, si vous le désirez. Mais Napoléon sait que vous être plus fort sur les vagues, il restera sur terre si vous ne lui forcez pas la main."

[admiraltyspride]

"A deal is a deal," he echoed back to her, surprised she would utter anything in English and to an Englishman at that. She was at least had not been bothered by his escape in any way and Nelson gave something of a shrug, supposing it was right that she would be the last person anyone would suspect of helping him. "C'est toujours une sage décision de garder quelques astuces dans sa manche."

With her agreement to keep hold of box for his hat, Nelson smiled though he of course longed to take it, it was best that he did keep his hand free to be able to act fast if something happened. She was loyal to her people at least and he could as ever admire that even if they were currently officially enemies. "J'espère que ceux qui vous connaissent, le savent aussi."

But next came their talks of their plans and Nelson let out a deep sigh that Napoleon would need to be lured out to sea if he was going to fight him there. His face twisted in some thought on how to go about doing just that. "Penses-tu qu'avec une audacieux, il monterait à bord d'un navire pour affronter ma flotte de front?" Peer pressure was a powerful thing when used correctly. If Napoleon felt eyes on him for not daring to face Nelson at sea then maybe his own vanity and pride would force his hand. He looked to Marianne, wondering if she would accept what he was about to ask.

"Écouterait-il ce que vous dites ?" Asking her to send one of her own into a plot to kill him, she didn't like Napoleon but he was a Frenchman after all.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

Marianne had heard of his escape, of course. But who would ever, in their right mind, accuse her of helping an enemy of France? She had easily played the part -shocked, angry, demanding his arrest. All the while, she waited anxiously for their meeting. She believed him alive, as news of his death would have surely made their way to her ears. And when he managed to send her a message in the shape of a carved bear, Marianne was relieved to see that he was not only alive, but still loyal to his word.

She traveled to Cherbourg, disguised. Her silk gowns had been traded for simpler dresses, and her long, blonde hair was hidden under a heavy cloak. Marianne was also carrying Horatio's hat in a small trunk, easy to transport. No one stopped her, no one asked her what she was doing in Cherbourg. She was a stranger, melting in the morning crowd.

Relieved to see that he was indeed not waiting for her at the port, she made her way along the coast. Her heart was still beating fast -what if had lied? What if this was a trap? England would surely enjoy capturing her, if only to gloat.

She found him sitting on a wall, alone. "Bonjour," she greeted as she approached (carefully). "Je suis surprise que vous ayez réussi à faire repousser votre bras en seulement trois semaines." A tease, but also an acknoledgment of his ingenious disguise. She lifted the trunk. "J'ai vôtre chapeau. Sain et sauf."

[admiraltyspride]

A familiar voice greeted him and Nelson turned and then stood from the wall out of respect. "Bonjour," he gave in turn and was himself relieved to see she had not brought others with her to capture him again. He looked to his disguised arm, neatly tucked into his right hand pocket as if holding very dearly onto some precious item, slightly bent too. "Il n'y a aucune limite à ce que je peux accomplir lorsqu'on me donne du temps," he teased her in turn when his eyes landed on the box she was carrying. His hat! "Merci de me l'avoir rapporté."

He knew of course he could not put it on yet, it would have made the whole meet up pointless but it played a key part in his plans, he was rather easy to spot with it on and found it much more efficient in rallying his fleet if they could see he was on deck, leading from the front as always. "Pourriez-vous le porter pour notre entretien?" Perhaps it would reassure her too that he was not about to spring a trap.

"J'espère que je ne vous ai causé aucun problème lors de ma fuite?" She seemed fine though she had come in disguise he assumed that it was as tense a time for her as it had been for him in hoping they had put their faith in the right place.

"J'ai pris contact avec mes alliés et homologues, quelle est la probabilité qu'il soit lui-même attiré en mer ?" Nelson of course wanted to face him on the waves, where he was at his strongest, though he could attack a fort and as he looked across the bay he could see just such a place Napoleon could hide in.

[hvbris]

𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎 & 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐄 @admiraltyspride

Marianne didn't seem too fussed. "Bien sûr, je comprends. Je n'attends pas de vous que vous protégiez ma patrie par bonté de coeur. Notre alliance ne marche que parce que nos intérêts, bien que différents, se rencontrent aux extrêmes. Mais vos intentions n'affectent en rien le fait que le peuple Français respirera plus tranquillement, loin du joug de Napoleon." She smiled. "En aidant l'Angleterre, vous aidez la France. Mais ne le dites peut-être pas à votre cher ami." A wink was added, for good measure.

"Parfait." She nodded, once. "Et vous serez réuni avec votre chapeau, oui. Intact, bien sûr."

The plan had been formed surprisingly fast, though she supposed that the hardest part began now. "Ce fut une journée pleine de surprises, et j'en suis ravie. Mais je pense qu'il est temps que je me retire dans mes quartiers, et que je vous laisse vous reposer." Her eyes glimmered. "Bien sûr, personne ne s'attends à ce que vous soyez assez fou pour tenter une autre évasion si vite. Vous pourrez vous reposer sans interruptions."

"Et, qui sait? Peut-être oublierais-je de vérouiller une porte en partant..." she finally whispered, before stepping away. "Bonne nuit, Horatio."

[admiraltyspride]

Nelson laughed that he should not tell his friend that in helping him he would be helping France, he kept nothing from England but he supposed for now it would do not to bring it up directly if he was reunited with him before the push home. Their conspiring was over though and he supposed now the clock was ticking, her message was received loud and clear, his escape had to be imminent. He gave a gracious bow, "Bonne nuit, dormez bien mademoiselle."

She stepped away and once he could only faintly hear her footsteps, Nelson got to work on the chain holding him to the floor, snatching the buckle of his shoe loose and used it to open a weak link in the chain. It took a few minutes, not helped by doing it all one handed, tucking the buckle into his stocking and wrapping the chain up enough to be able to use as a weapon if needed, he hurried from the cell, quietly moving up the corridors and into the room they had discussed. Unlocked and empty it was an easy dive out of the window into some water below and Nelson was once again free.

Weeks passed and the only real indication that he was still alive was that there was no report of his death announced. Save for one wooden carved child's toy in the shape of a bear, crudely written words read simply, Ne le brûlez pas. The three week mark came up and Nelson had been able to locate and gather up his allies and forces quietly which had been the most important aspect. He had not forgotten his appointment though and turned up in Cherbourg as agreed.

He had dressed down, trying to remain in disguise and having stuffed his right sleeve with cloth to fill it out and make it appear as an arm to further his deception. He sat casually on a wall, watching the waters though nerves were building as he kept the port in view, conscious that it could all be a trap he had seemingly come alone while he waited for Marianne.