Chapter 35 - "Posh...?"

Clara's PoV

'So this dinner... How posh is posh?'

'Posh dress and tie kind of posh. You'd probably be turned away if you turned up in a pair of horse things. So at least try to dress up a little' he begged.

'I have a fancy dress anyway. Not sure why I even packed it. I guess I didn't realise I was actually going to need it. But I kind of regret not having bought my maid now'

'The dinner is on the ship at 7 o clock and will probably go on all night but then we have 48 hours completely to ourselves to do what ever you want to do' he smiled assuringly.

'I want you to see George. But I don't think there's enough time to get to the house'

'No. I don't think there is'

- - -

We finished getting dressed after having ordered room service and headed down to the lobby of the hotel where there was a car waiting for us.

It all seemed so fancy and posh, and everyone treats you differently when your a soldier. But everyone is treating me like a civilian which I was kind of enjoying right now. Attached to his black suit he had his ID badge for the security and the hotel and they all treated him as if he was a royal family member.

'This way sir. Can I offer either of you a glass of champagne?' The driver asked.

I was pretty sure the ship was only a few minutes down the road, so I couldn't work out why anyone would need to be in such a posh car but I didn't question it. I'm a noble lady. I guess this is how it is.

'I'll do it' John instructed as he opens the door for me and assisted me out of the car.

It was kind of weird to be treated this way but I was glad to have him to hold onto so that I didn't stumble over in my heels. Being pregnant and wearing high heels just aren't a good mix.

'Officer Smith? Lovely to see you this evening. You'll be at table 1. I see you bought a plus one?'

'Yeah thanks Frank. No need to announce it' John scoffed, as he pulled me towards the front table where John grabbed a beer and I grabbed a water.

'That's lady Oswald. Daughter of Lord Oswald?'

'Yep' I smirked. 'Could we just keep that between ourselves'

'Point made' he chuckled, as I took a sip and he led me around the cabin and introduced me to several people.

There was some soldiers and captains in his rank and other ranks that I said hi too, but he was the captain of rank 5 so he was seated at table 1. All officers sit together at these types of things apparently.

'So this is... Very posh' I mumbled, looking at him with pleading eyes.

'Your very good at posh. Your a lady'

'Yeah. But it's nice to be around people who aren't living with butlers and servants'

'We'll get out of here in a bit. I just need to stick around for dinner, otherwise my boss will kill me' he hummed, leaving me sat at the table to poke some chicken, which looked appetising except to me.

Under normal circumstances I would have enjoyed it but it looked a little gross in my hormonal state.

'Lady Oswald?' Rob said making me look up and everyone around the table stand.

'God. I didn't realise it was you my lady. I feel ridiculous' someone said.

'Really? We were and always are in the papers' I scoffed.

'Is there any chance that your able to be in some photos?'

'Of course' I sighed, knowing that my face will do well on for these people and that the army will do well too. Maybe even get some funds.

I was concerned that John would now suffer from my getting involved.

- - -

'Am I allowed back here?' I scoffed as he led me towards cabin number 111. It was upstairs but it was nice and quiet. I figured he was leading me to his room.

'Of course you are. I cleared it. I wanted to introduce you to a good friend of mine who will be being looked after in my room. I hope I'll get to bring him back to Oswald house with me... And plus - they know your a noble lady now. You could make them blow a grenade of you asked them too'

'Friend? Are you keeping a second wife in there?' I mumbled confused as he opened the door and a great massive dog jumped off the bed and ran at john. 'This is Lucky. My soldier dog. He comes everywhere with me when I'm in board' he grinned.

'You have a soldier dog?'

'Yep. He's amazing as a guard dog. He's a sniffer dog too. He's practically my best friend when I come on the boat'

'He's adorable' I chuckled getting a good look around the room and sporting the grey bed sheet and mattress with a blue throw in case it gets cold I guess.

There was a desk and a chair, pretty plain looking but it looks like he had decorated it the way he wants.

He even had some pictures of me up on the wall and by the bed and George. Even a picture of me and George and my dad. I never really realised how much of an impact I had made on his life.

He even had some of my letters pinned up on the wall. 'It's very homely in here'

'I try my best' he shrugged.

'Who's this?' I asked pointing to the small family that was on the wall sort of hidden behind some other pictures.

'Oh. My parents, brother. I don't want to see them. Just ignore the picture. It's not worth it. They're not worth it' he said kissing me carefully and pulling me into his bed.