(no subject)

[le_russe_satan]

Right, it's official. Captain Rennie and Lt. James Hayter are my favourite naval "couple" after Aubrey and Maturin. Probably my favourite historic novel "couple" after them. *Flails* The scene! The conversation! N'aaaw.  From "The Hawk" (Peter Smalley)


'I shall proceed alone. There is no need of anyone else. I am quite alone in this endeavour, and alone I mean to bring it to conclusion.'
'Well well, I will say nothing more, except -'
'Nay, do not say it, if you please. My mind is made up.'
'I was only going to say -'
'Sir, I beg you, do not.'
'-going to say -'
'No! No!'
'-that I am still your man.'
'Eh?'
'I am still your man.'
'You would risk everything - your whole career - to stand with me in this?'
'I gave you my word, James.'

This exchange took place in the garden at Tattham Grange, beneath a spreading tree, the sunlit lawn and flowering shrubs a scent-drifting backdrop. James and Rennie sat in the shade, James with a rug over his knees - in spite of the balmy warmth of the air - and Rennie with his face turned into a patch of sun. James was yet a little pale from his sojourn at Haslar, and a little thin. A bumble-bee wove betweem them, and swerved away on its meandering flight. A long moment, then James, quietly:
'You know that I would never hold you to such a promise, when everything has altered since it was made.'
'I do not alter, my dear friend.'
 James saw the garden as a blur for a moment, and felt his throat constrict. He brought his kerchief from his pocket and blew his nose. Then, clearing his throat: 'The air is cool, do you not find. I have a slight chill.'
'It is cool, a little.' Knowing it was not.