to be forced to marry into the house of Dracul-Palanquin?

[Hullygully]

Madame Defarge, I would not allow you to lower yourself to massage the feet of a humble sailor.Your scintillating conversation at dinner will be refreshment enough for my tired old bones.

And as to the close quarters of my men ma'am, I insisted that they should forego the comforts of a berth each in order that your cabins be all the more comfortable. They're a friendly bunch of jolly jack-tars, and never seem to tire of bunking together.

You are but a chit, Captain. Are you sure you are man enough for this voyage and us ladies?

How kind Captain, I would love to join you for the evening with the other ladies. I am sure Mistress Hully will let me off my tatting for the occasion. Especially as I spent a most uncomfortable half hour with her dragon nurse, ouch

Perhaps you could partner me in a game whist afterwards?

Stop flirting with the Captain Miss Sybil. We don't know his family background, his schooling or anything about him really

I think that if you promise to return to your cabin after cocoa is served there shouldn't be a problem with you staying for dinner.

Do you need help with your outfit?

ladies, we have been deceived! That is no captain, that is a mere midshipman!

He has trifled with us!

Oooh, outfit help is a lovely offer Mistress Jins. (As long as it isn't this)

I thinking something demure yet alluring. Also, any help you can give in gently grilling the Captain over dinner with regards to family connections, independent wealth etc. would be gratefully recieved.

I promise faithfully to retire when the cocoa has been drunk and the rum comes out

this might work

I will be quizzing the Captain over my lorgnettes Miss Sybil. Deception is a very ungentlemanly trait

Its a very pretty colour Mistress Jins, but you not think it will make me look a bit large of hip? i was thinking more like this?

Is it a bit slinky?

Fear not, fear not. I have ordered several of these for the Misses. Demure and fitting and modest withal.

I hear the Rear Admiral might join us. He must sit by me so that I might speak with him of matters wet and salty.

No. Far too much decolletage for a young thing like you.

What about this?

I believe that the [[http://www.faginsfancydress.co.uk/images/comordor_350x300.jpg Commodore}} is joining us as well but he is in a very poor mood.

How is dear Rochester's leg Mistress Hully? You were away for ages

commodore obviously

I fear the Captain's cabin is not large enough to accommadate that one, lovely as it it. And pleasingly nautical too.

How about this <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=titanic+evening+gowns&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4GGHP_en-GBGB411GB412&tbm=isch&tbnid=tqEzQOwfUgQ6-M:&imgrefurl=www.lisashea.com/lisabase/writing/edwardian/clothing.html&docid=0USKAE6FR5NTUM&w=250&h=346&ei=Nu5wTr2qC8SE-wa4rISnCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=924&vpy=234&dur=3955&hovh=264&hovw=191&tx=106&ty=170&page=4&tbnh=116&tbnw=84&start=87&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:87&biw=1366&bih=615" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one? It is a very similar colour to the original one, and more demure of chest than the last one.

(deliberately pretends not to have seen Mistress Hully's option. Whilst wondering how she managed to fit them in the luggage...)

I think that's better although you may wish to consider a stole or shawl as well because it gets very cool at night and breezy as well.

Only last night while I was in pleasant conversation with the marine engineer and the wind was so fierce that many of our clothes were blown clean off us.

Imagine my shame

I expect the a marine engineer was delighted taken aback to see you in your chemise. That certainly explains how red cheeked and out of breath you appeared to be after your evening stroll yesterday.

alas alack aswoon! the real captain approaches!

Morning Ladies. Have been busy in the hold storing the flagons, tisanes and poultices.
Then, inspired by my tatting, some of the crew asked if I would help them with their painting class
Much panting painting ensued. Exhausted by that I relaxed by sketching some ideas for suitable nautical wear for us gels.

Good Morrow!

I began quite disheartened at your concern about my connections and my credentials, but as Mme Defarge thoroughly overcame her misgivings about me last night in the fo'c'sle, I am much cheered this morning.

The Rear Admiral sent a communique early this morning, Madame Hully, he will be boarding you the ship later this morning.

That Rear Admiral is a rum sort of cove. He puts me in mind of one of your husbands, dear Madame Widow, his name is on the tip of my tongue, I believe he was number forty-one or thereabouts?

How bracing is the wind today! I feel quite invigorated. I suggest a turn about the decks before quoits.

I must tighten my stays in that case. I don't want another mishap

How strange Madame Jins, perhaps that would explain the panic amongst the tars last night that a giant white mermaid had grown legs and walked abroad the ship!

It wasn't me last night. My wind and clothes related mishap was the night before. Miss Sybil was missing for a few hours though

Last night I was assisting the engineers with their calculations. Mathematics doesn't seem to be a strong point in their education.

Not that Sybil again! Lawks. She is indefatigable.

She's improving Mistress Hully but I fear that she needs advice and guidance at every stage of her development. Her opinion as to suitable clothing is a worry

anyone for a stroll around the poop deck?