Was Archie suggesting that he serve aboard that ship? Had he discussed it with the other men of the Britannia? Norrington was aware that he had been singularly unpleasent to any and all likely candidates for the vessel's crew. If anyone besides Kennedy and Hornblower had been involved in this request -- well, the admiral had to doubt their motivations. Furthermore, how had he not wondered by now what rank the boy held aboard Britannia? Norrington has been referring to him as lieutenant Kennedy since his arrival, but was it not possible that he had been promoted? Especially given the limited number of able seamen in the village.

The admiral had not spoken for a long time. If Archie had chosen his words carefully, then Norrington was deliberating excessively. At last he said,

"To sail, perhaps."

He understood the gravity of this offer despite his suspicions. Kennedy may have considered it a matter of courtesy, but he would not have presented the question lightly. The admiral's eyes were on the Brittania by now. They remained there as he added,

"But not to serve."