He thought that Deakin looked surprised and explained,
“We can hardly go charging about looking for a battle with a woman aboard!”
“No, of course not, sir,” Deakin replied. “But I understand that there are still some French ships left in that part of the world and, if we came upon one unexpectedly-like, we could hardly run away.”
There was a glint of amusement and also of anticipation in Conrad’s eyes as he answered him,
“That would be unthinkable! Let’s hope her Ladyship is not too squeamish when it comes to the noise of gunfire!”
Deakin laughed and, knowing that he and his Captain were both hoping for the same thing, he raised his glass.
“To Tiger Horn!” he said, “and may you, sir, and this ship prove themselves to be invincible!”
*
It was dark and the lights of The Invincible we
