Portsmouth Promise
"Naval museum guide Folake tells stories of HMS Victory—but the thick Beninese historian who questions every fact becomes the most fascinating story she's ever told."
Professor Honorine knew too much.
Every tour, she questioned Folake's facts. Offered corrections. Made the job harder.
"If you know so much, why come?" Folake demanded.
"Because I like watching you talk." That thick body shifted. "I like watching you, period."
"This is harassment."
"This is interest. There's a difference."
The difference became clear in the ship's great cabin.
Honorine cornered her after closing.
"I'm sorry for being difficult," she said. "It's my way of flirting."
"Terrible way."
"I know. Let me make it up to you."
On HMS Victory, surrounded by naval history, they made their own.
Honorine's academic precision extended to pleasure.
"Like this?" she asked.
"God, yes."
"I always research thoroughly."
The affair scandalized no one because no one knew.
After-hours access. Private tours. Very personal attention.
"This is inappropriate," Folake said.
"This is inevitable." Honorine kissed her. "Two women who love history, making our own."
"Is that what this is?"
"What else?"
Portsmouth's museum gained a consulting historian.
The museum guide gained something more.
"Best research partnership I've ever had," Honorine announced.
"Best student I've ever taught," Folake agreed.
Some history, they learned, was still being written.
Theirs had just begun.