Time for Bed

"Goodnight, Henri. Goodnight, Princess."

"Goodnight, Charles."

Charles went one way, and Henri and Astra went the other, to the accommodation that they were sharing. [44349] As he opened the door, and then stood back to let Astra enter first, Henri said: "I'm sorry that you have to share with me, Princess, but as I explained I'm supposed to be your bodyguard."

"So the Captain is apparently more concerned for my safety than for my reputation. I can just imagine what the enlisted men will be saying about this arrangement." Then, seeing Henri's dismayed face, she grinned. "Don't worry. I was only teasing. I don't care what they say. And I know that I can rely on you to be a perfect gentleman."

"Well, I certainly hope so... Let me light the oil lamp so we have some light in here. What are you doing, Princess?!"

"Undressing. You don't expect me to go to bed fully clothed, surely? Don't worry, Henri. I'll leave my underpants and shirt on, so there will be considerably less flesh on view than there was with the rags that I was wearing when you first saw me."

They prepared for bed. Astra noted that Henri kept his trousers on. He mentioned that he would be sleeping on the floor rather than in a bed, and might be chilly, but she suspected that wasn't the real reason.

Astra got into bed and Henri made himself as comfortable as he could on the floor. Then they said their goodnights and Henri put out the lamp.

1. In the morning...
2. During the night they were disturbed by...
3. No sooner had Henri put out the lamp, than he said: "Princess, I've just remembered that there was something that I've been meaning to ask you."

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