The Commodore had his back to the girl as he traced the path of the parapet on the fort's wall. "Your cousin has grown into a fine, young woman. A beautiful one. As I thought about what I would say, it would be rude and disrespectful if I didn't ask you, since I found both of you rather close", he turned his upper body to her. "Abigail, Elizabeth is a fine woman. I would like to ask you if I could offer her my hand", he finally said.