Alice sighed, put the book back on her head and recommenced walking across her drawing room while reciting poetry.

Mr. Niall had commanded her to memorize an extract from Ode on the Death of the Duke of Wellington by Alfred Lord Tennyson. And memorize the verse she had. Alice had heard of Tennyson, of course, but she did wonder if "Lord" was the poet's title or merely his middle name.

For what seemed like the thousandth time, the book fell. Alice sighed, suppressed the urge to scream "Oh bloody hell!" and perched it back on her head. She began reciting once more:

"Lead out the pageant: sad and slow,
As fits an universal woe,
Let the long long procession go,
And let the sorrowing crowd about it grow,
And let the mournful martial music blow;
The last great Englishman is low."

"Hah!" she cried in triumph. She'd made it across the room without mishap and completed the verse! But a discreet cough from the doorway caused her to spin around with unhappy results. The book landed at her feet once again.

Kinver nodded his head impassively and stated, "You have a visitor, ma'am."

"Oh!" Alice stooped to pick up the book which she guiltily hid behind her back.

"Lieutenant Charles Patterson," Kinver announced. By way of explanation, he added, "Of his Majesty's Navy."

The tall dark-haired young man who stood in the doorway smiled at Alice admiringly. She couldn’t help but note how striking he looked in his uniform. "Miss Cooper? I have a letter for you from the Admiral."

He didn't qualify which admiral was writing to her, but since she knew only one, Alice assumed the letter was from Sir Horace. She thanked the lieutenant and held out her hand for the missive then sat down on the settee to read it. When she looked up again, she was puzzled to note that the lieutenant was still standing.

His piercingly blue eyes twinkled at her. "It is customary for the lady to invite the visitor to sit," he commented gently.

Alice flushed with embarrassment and uttered a strangled invitation to be seated which he accepted with alacrity. "I'm flag lieutenant to Admiral Montverre, you see. He indicated to me that you are his protégée. So I expect I'll be stopping by from time to time with new messages from him for you. It's very nice to meet you, Miss Cooper."

"Likewise, I'm sure." She smiled tentatively. "You might perhaps wonder at my having a book on my head."

"Well, yes. I did. But I did not like to ask."

"I am trying to learn how to stand properly," she replied earnestly. "And to walk nicely and not like a lorry driver." She blushed again. "I mean—oh dear."

"I understand," he smiled. "It's the old man's pet bear really. Training, training, training. And then more training. I expect this is his idea of proper drill for a civilian."

"Do you really think so?" Alice mulled over the lieutenant's hypothesis. "I was afraid it meant he found me somewhat lacking."

Lt. Patterson shook his head. "I doubt that. You're a bit of a peach." She blushed again and the lieutenant reddened in embarrassment. "I apologize for my frankness, Miss Cooper. I'm afraid I've spent far too much time in the company of sailors to be allowed loose in a lady's drawing room." He rose. "I should take my leave of you."

"Oh, must you go? Would you like some refreshment? Tea perhaps?"

He shook his head regretfully. "The admiral will be wondering where I've got to."

"Perhaps another time then." She smiled shyly.

"I'd like that, Miss Cooper. We don't get much tea at Admiralty House."

"Well, I don't get many visitors. So it would be lovely if you did stop."

He grinned, suddenly looking like a school boy caught out in mischief. "Maybe the admiral will send me with another message for you."

"Do you think he expected a reply from me?"

"It's possible." Lt. Patterson considered the matter. "Did he ask you any questions or did he just send information?"

"He said he'll be late to dinner and that I should have it set back."

"Ah yes," the lieutenant nodded wisely. "Committee meetings. They always seem to go on forever if one has an engagement. Shall I just say that you 'understand'?"

"Yes. So kind of you," she murmured.

Lt Patterson bowed himself out and Alice walked slowly to the window overlooking the street. When he had passed out of sight, she rang for Kinver and informed him that dinner would have to be held back. Then once again she reluctantly picked up her book and placed it on her head. With a deep sigh, she began.

"Lead out the pageant: sad and slow,
As fits an universal woe…"