"So you're not married, Mister Bush?" Mrs. Mason leaned dangerously towards him, a greedy glint in her eyes. Bush hoped that he wasn't about to knock over anything expensive as he was backed firmly into the display cabinet, which was precariously loaded with glasses and metal cookware. He glanced over to Hornblower and his new wife, and indeed part of him was pleased to see that they looked every bit the happy newlyweds. Another part of him, a part that he was not very proud of, was about to scream if he didn't find an excuse to leave the wedding reception within the next five minutes.

Fortunately for the tranquility of the proceedings, an excuse made itself known in the form of Archie Kennedy's hand on his arm.

"If you will excuse us, Mrs. Mason, I require Mister Bush's assistance with the cake." Kennedy was polite but firm, and began guiding Bush away even before Mrs. Mason gave her assent. Bush thought they were headed for the kitchen, but before they reached it Kennedy pulled him into a quiet nearby room.

"No cake, then," Bush said dryly. He swallowed, trying not to betray his anxiety. He had sent his last batch of letters within enough time for Kennedy to read them before his arrival. Hornblower had decided on his marriage quite suddenly, but naturally there had been no question that he would invite one of his dearest friends to be his best man. Kennedy had arrived that morning in full dress uniform, ready to stand by Hornblower's side as he pledged himself forever to Maria Mason. Bush was glad he had come, for it meant that he did not have to do the job himself. He and Kennedy had not a moment's time alone together until now.

"I received your letters, William," Kennedy said. Bush stared at him, waiting for his reaction to the words he had written. Oh god, if it must end then end it quickly, he thought. A minute passed, filled with muted chattering from the main room.

"Did you read them?" Bush asked, unwilling to wait in suspense any longer.

"Of course I read them!" hissed Kennedy. "A wedding invitation and your letters in my hand... William, you have a remarkable sense of timing."

"Thank you," he said, automatically. He winced, realizing how that sounded. "Archie..." he began.

"No no, don't say anything. You have said enough already," Kennedy said, pulling a tightly folded wad of papers out of his pocket. He waved them under Bush's nose. "I read this on the journey here. I read it so many times over that I have committed full passages of it to memory. And do you want to know my feelings on this matter?"

Kennedy seemed to require a response from him, so he gave one. "Yes?"

"I cannot believe that he would do this. That he would... and then marry..."

Bush sighed. "For my part--"

"William, believe me when I say to you that it is your part in this that concerns me least."

"You are not angry with me?"

"I am not angry with you." Before the knot in Bush's chest could completely loosen, Kennedy continued, his voice low and intense. "I think you are a fool, and that you have quite possibly lost your previously good sense. But it is Horatio with whom I am angry, for he lay with you and then married a woman he does not love, and he does this with a head clearer than your own."

"Oh," Bush said. He wondered if another glass of wine would somehow bring reason to this mad day, but upon reflection decided that more drink was not going to cure a problem which it had in fact caused. Kennedy had turned from him to pace a tight circle on the rug. Bush decided a fresh tack was in order.

"It heartens me to see you in such fine health," Bush said, keeping his voice light. "You wrote to me of your progress, but it is another matter to see you so fully restored. Will you be fit to join us in the coming war?" Kennedy stopped pacing, and instead stared at the door leading back to the main room.

"I expect that Horatio has already decided upon that," he said. Bush blinked at him, surprised at the displeasure that laced his words.

"Archie, do you not want to return?" Bush could scarcely believe he was even asking the question. "Archie?"

"If you two gentlemen are finished with the cake," interrupted Mrs. Mason, who had opened the door with a practiced abruptness, "your presence is requested by Mister Hornblower in the main room, as he's about to cut it." Bush and Kennedy ducked their heads as they passed her and proceeded to the center table, where Hornblower and Maria stood, ready to slice. Bush was surprised to see that Admiral Pellew had arrived and was sipping a glass of wine as he watched the couple.

"Good of you to join us, gentlemen," said Pellew. "Mister Hornblower?" Hornblower nodded, and he and his bride cut their wedding cake with his sword. Petals scattered into the air as they were applauded by the guests.

"Oh, I just thought! I trust he's given that a thorough clean," said Mrs. Mason, squinting at Horatio's sword.

"Well, he'll have done his best, mum," rumbled Pellew, "but French blood, ooh, it's damnably sticky!" Mrs. Mason gasped, and Pellew cleared his throat in amusement. "A long life," he toasted, "and much happiness to the wife of one of the most promising officers in the King's service."

"Here here!" the crowd murmured.

"Has the health of the happy couple been drunk yet?" asked Pellew.

"No, sir," said Mrs. Mason.

"May I do so?" Mrs. Mason gestured for him to continue. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to stand and join me on this happy occasion. May they never know sorrow, may they only enjoy health and prosperity. May the wife be comforted in the knowledge that the husband is doing his duty for King and Country. And may the husband be supported in his duty by the loyalty of the wife. Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom."

Kennedy raised his glass. "The bride and groom!" The crowd echoed him.

"There is one further announcement," said Pellew, his voice quieting the hubbub of congratulations. "Mister Hornblower, if you please."

"Thank you, sir. Mister Kennedy, we have served together for many years. We have seen both good times and bad, and at the worst of them I thought you parted from me most finally. Yet by the grace of God you are here with us today, and for that I am thankful. You are an excellent officer, an admirable man, and a good friend."

Kennedy smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"Since you were last in my company I have been given command of a fine ship, the Hotspur. She lacks in only one quality before she is seaworthy, and to that end I have made a special request of Admiral Pellew, who was kind enough to grant it. Mister Kennedy, would you do me the honor of being my second lieutenant?"

"I would be honored to serve with you, Captain Hornblower."

Hornblower grinned and puffed his chest in pleasure. "We sail on the morning tide. Mister Bush, you will prepare the Hotspur for sea."

"Aye aye, sir," Bush said. Kennedy noticed that Hornblower did not look at Bush as he gave the command.

"Mister Kennedy," Hornblower continued, "it will be good to have your company and your hand once more. One last toast, ladies and gentlemen, to the good men of the Hotspur! Long may she sail."